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Methodism in Washington, 



DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: 



BEING AN 



Account of the Rise and Early Progress of 
Methodism in that City, and a Succinct 



HISTORY OF THE FOURTH - STREET METHODIST 
EPISCOPAL CHURCH; 



Sketches of the Preachers from the Earliest Times, 



AN APPENDIX 

of all the methodist churches at present 
in the City. 



REV. W. Ml FERGUSON, 

OF THE BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. 



BALTIMORE: 

Ubc /I&etboMst Episcopal 36oofe H)epositorv, 

J. Lanahan, Agent. 
1892. 




Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1892, by 
W. M. Ferguson, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



5 

Copy -- 

ICQ BEPLACE LOST eOPf 
3 1 JAN T975 




CONTENTS. 



PREFACE, • ./ . . . . ix 

CHAPTER I. 

Introduction, ...... 13 

CHAPTER II. 

FOOT-PRINTS, ...... 22 

CHAPTER III. ' 
Greeni,eaf's Point, ..... 30 

CHAPTER IV. 
The Tobacco House, ..... 40 

CHAPTER V. 

Ebenezer, . . . . . . 45 

CHAPTER VI. 
Fourth-Street, ..... 67 

CHAPTER VII. 
Sunday-schools, ..... 85 



viii Contents. 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Societies, ...... 97 

CHAPTER IX. 
Church Extension, ..... 107 

CHAPTER X. 

Sketches oe Pastors, . . . .113 

CHAPTER XI. 
Ninetieth Anniversary, .... 160 

APPENDIX A. 
The Methodist Churches oe Washington, . 166 

APPENDIX B. 
Authorities Consulted, . . . .181 



TO THE 

CONGREGATION 

OF THE 

FOURTH-STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 
Washington, D. C, 

WHOSE 

GREAT KINDNESS MADE HIS PASTORATE OF FOUR YEARS 
A CONTINUAL PLEASURE, 

THIS STORY OF THEIR FATHERS 
IS 

AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 

BY 

THE AUTHOR. 



PREFACE. 



In *the literature of Methodism but little is 
said of its existence at the National Capital. Not 
having been planted there as early as in the ad- 
jacent cities, it seems to have escaped the notice 
of historians altogether. Yet it has an interesting 
history, and an attempt is made, in the following 
pages, to trace its origin and early development ; 
and then to give a history of the particular church 
which now represents the original organization, 
leaving to an appendix the account of the various 
churches, belonging to the different branches of 
the Methodist family, w r hich have been founded in 
later years. 

Fourth-Street is the oldest Methodist society 
in what were the original bounds of Washington. 
Our Church had a much earlier beginning in 
Georgetown. But that city was entirely separate 
from Washington until 1878, when it was incor- 
porated with the latter, so that now it has properly 
no distinct existence. The benefit resulting from 
the early connection of Washington Methodism with 
that of Georgetown is gladly acknowledged. United 
under the same pastoral supervision for several 



X 



Preface. 



years, the younger and weaker society was without 
doubt greatly helped by the union, and in later 
years evidences have not been wanting of the re- 
gard Dumbarton-Avenue Church has for its former 
yoke-fellow. 

This is a memorial volume. In February of 
the present year the ninetieth anniversary of the 
Fourth-Street Station was held, dating from the 
appearance of the charge in the minutes of the 
Conferences, the exact time of the first Methodist 
preaching in Washington not being known. In 
connection with that anniversary, the writer, then 
pastor of the church, preached three historical ser- 
mons, of which this book is the outgrowth. It is 
published by request of the Leaders and Stewards' 
Meeting of the charge, — George R. Cook, Robert 
W. Dunn, and Thomas B. Stahl being appointed a 
committee to assist the pastor. Their valuable 
assistance is hereby acknowledged. To the Revs. 
John W. Hedges and George V. Leech, D. D., I 
am also indebted for memoranda upon the history 
of the church made during their pastorates and 
entered upon the official records. Robert E. Cook 
and Maurice Otterback have rendered valuable 
service in promoting the publication. The frontis- 
piece is from a photograph furnished by the Young 
Peoples' Union of the station. The picture of "the 
Tobacco House" is from a photograph belonging 
to Mr. Edward B. Bury, of Washington, w T ho for 
a long time was the registrar of Christ Protestant 
Episcopal Church. He also furnished the copy of 
a letter written by the artist Cranch, by which the 
use of that building by the Methodist Episcopal 



Preface. 



xi 



Church for divine services is amply proved. The 
representation of Ebenezer is from a crayon made 
by Miss Leila McCathran, of Washington, and pre- 
sented to the church. The preparation of this 
volume has been "a labor of love," and the end 
will be served if it be recognized as a contribution 
to the history of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



W. M. Ferguson. 



South Baltimore Parsonage, 
May 30, 1892. 




Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



chapter I. 

INTRODUCTION. 



"To the stars through difficulties." — Motto of Kansas. 



To contribute the story of a church to the 
general history of a city or state is to enrich that 
history in those particulars which any true analysis 
would prove to be among the most important. The 
factors of the church's progress are the elements 
that give to civilization its highest type and most 
enduring qualities. For the story is generally one 
of struggle — of struggle with poverty and difficulty ; 
a story of great self-denial, of" patient continuance 
in well-doing," of a sublime faith in the agencies 
at command, of a quenchless hope in the kindlier 
conditions of the future. It is the story of an 
athlete who, wrestling with the world, expects to 



14 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



receive a crown of life ; of a child whose cradle 
was rocked by the rough hand of the storm, and 
yet who in Divine Manhood will some day bid the 
storms be still ; of a life that sometimes endured 
fetters and was spit upon, that found agonies and 
crucifixions in its path, but which all the time was 
royal and will at last come to a throne. It is the 
story of the planting and nurture of a seed that 
becomes a tree, which, in spite of tempests and 
wild beasts, is a plant of renown among the best 
the world can produce. 

These experiences of the Church of Jesus" Christ 
have connected it most intimately with the progress 
of civilization. The Church, founded on the Xew 
Testament, and proclaiming its messages, has gone 
with men as their companion and helper, though 
often uninvited and unwelcome. Its aggressive 
spirit secured its contact with civilization in its 
ancient seats, where all religion was worn out and 
"evaporated into fables." It proclaimed a kingdom 
of God "that cannot be moved." It taught that 
the human soul was a temple in which, if men 
permitted, the Eternal Spirit of God would dwell ; 
that there was a throne on which He sat who is 
"the same yesterday, to-day, and forever." It 
placed before the public mind new ideas of char- 
acter, new capabilities of the soul. Into a world 
of death and change it came, announcing a power 
that would achieve a victory over the worst that 
change and death can do for man. It declared 
that man is always the brother of man, and, as- 
saulting the popular notions of inequality, began 
that leveling process whose consummation will be 



Introduction. 



one of the most glorious features of the universal 
reign of Christ. It so impressed its lessons of hope 
that men who had doubted their future, and in 
nerveless despair submitted to defeat, became strong 
and endured hardness, "having respect unto the 
recompense of reward." And so it regenerated 
races that had apparently lived their time and had 
no future before them. This was notably so in 
regard to the Greek race. 

It has also gone with the pathfinders into new 
countries, and put its willing hand to the task of 
building the states they founded into suitable places 
for the residence and growth of the best public 
life. Our Western world is the readiest illustration 
of this fact. Here, where "Time's noblest off- 
spring ' ' has been born, and is growing in such an 
unexampled way that all Time's living children 
wonder, the power of the Church of Christ to exert 
a commendable influence upon the formation and 
progress of civil society is a recognized factor of 
our history. The pioneer and the evangelist have 
marched abreast. The ring of the ax and the 
crack of the rifle have been answered b}^ the call 
to repentance and the hymn of Christian hope. 
The chapel has been stockaded as well as the 
cabin ; and the hardships of the new country have 
been shared by the herald of the kingdom of God 
equally with the representative of the new civiliza- 
tion. It is impossible to be just and yet deny the 
beneficent influence of the Church upon the State. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church illustrates, in 
a manner not inferior to that of any other denomi- 
nation of Christians, the wholesome influence of 



1 6 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



New-Testament religion on the form and develop- 
ment of civil society. With its doctrine of salvation 
possible -to all men, and limited in its application 
only by the unbelief of those to whom its messages 
come ; with its evangelistic methods ; its glorious 
experiences of the witness of the Spirit and sanc- 
tification through the truth; its preachers with "a 
heart for every fate," comprehending the greatness 
of their opportunity, and with self-sacrificing zeal 
proclaiming the kingdom of God, it was adapted 
to the task of keeping in the trail of men as they 
set up the outposts of civilization more and more 
distant from the centers. No pioneers went far- 
ther nor endured greater hardships than did the 
early Methodist preachers. A writer in the London 
Quarterly Review says, "Earth has witnessed no 
nobler sacrifices for the sake of great and disinter- 
ested aims than were made by the circuit-riders of 
early Methodism, especially in the United States." 
The elder President Harrison once said of them, 
"The vow of poverty is not taken by these men, 
but their conduct is precisely the same as it would 
have been had they taken it." They fulfilled the 
ministry they had received of the Lord Jesus Chiist 
to testify of the Gospel of the grace of God. 
Man} r of them were compelled to "desist," as lo- 
cating was called in those days, because the Church 
in its poverty could make but scant provision for 
the families of the preachers. Two hundred and 
twenty-one useful, able, and popular ministers lo- 
cated from this cause between the years 1792 and 
1800. Yet they preached nearly as often while 
located as when in the effective ranks ; and as 



Introduction. 



soon as circumstances made it possible, they re- 
entered the traveling connection, and, in their tire- 
less zeal for souls, suffered again its burdens and 
hardships. 

The planting of Methodism in America occurred 
at a time when the many causes of distraction to 
the public mind made its engagement with the 
subject of religion a very difficult matter. 1766 
marks a period of great excitement throughout the 
whole land. The direct causes of the Revolution 
were at work. The odious "Stamp Act" had in- 
flamed the colonists so that anything British excited 
their opposition. The "Mutiny Act" intensified 
the indignation. The spirit of liberty at length 
consolidated the Colonies, and repeated aggressions 
led them to declare their independence. Under 
these circumstances the Gospel of the grace of 
God as taught by Mr. John Wesley began to be 
preached in America. 

The earliest preachers were all from across the 
sea. Until 1773 there was not a native American 
itinerant preacher in the Church. Until 1784 Amer- 
ican Methodism was under the direction of Wesley 
as absolutely as English Methodism was. He sent 
preachers to and recalled them from this country, 
according to his own judgment. He had produced 
an unparalleled sensation in England by the pub- 
lication of his "Calm Address to the American 
Colonies," in which he advocated the principle 
that taxation without representation is no tyranny, 
and for the time made himself objectionable to all 
the friends of America. These things excited the 
prejudices of Americans against Methodism as an 



i8 



Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



English institution, and became an obstruction to its 
establishment and growth. And yet it was planted 
and grew. The storm of war did not uproot it. 
After the Revolution, when the formal organization 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church took place, the 
ten preachers of the first Conference had multiplied 
to eighty-four, and the one thousand members had 
increased to nearly fifteen thousand, with a con- 
siderable body of adherents besides. Its peculiar 
system of ministerial supply and operation has at 
length led to its wide diffusion. It has been estab- 
lished in every state and territory of the American 
Union — in a number of which it is the popular, 
dominant religious power — and its missions have 
extended into Europe, Asia, and Africa, where thou- 
sands of converts attest its evangelizing power. 

Fourth-Street Church can justly claim to have 
contributed somewhat to this glorious result. Its 
age makes it one of the links connecting us with 
the early times, while its well-known habit of sup- 
porting every enterprise, whether local or general, 
for the advancement of Methodism should make it 
a recognized factor in its progress. It has always 
been unswervingly loyal to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. It has received its doctrines, obeyed the 
legislation of its Conferences, supported its benevo- 
lences, adhered to its ministry, endured the shock 
of assaults made upon its integrity, and stands at 
this day, in matured strength, ready to help in the 
promotion of any cause that w r iil serve its interests. 

Tracing its history to the beginning, we are 
brought to the day of small things in Methodism. 
The Conferences were few. The itinerant preachers 



Introduction. 



19 



numbered less than five hundred, and the member- 
ship did not exceed one hundred and fifteen thou- 
sand in the whole connection. Francis Asbury, 
then in very poor health, and Richard Whatcoat 
wer.e the only bishops. The people were generally 
poor and obscure. Now and then a name can be 
found, in the early chronicles, of those who were 
rich and honorable ; but they were so rare as to 
be conspicuous. The preaching-places, if churches, 
were very plain and unpretentious ; but very often 
a room in the dwelling of some member or adhe- 
rent, the court-house, a corner of the street, or a 
grove furnished the preacher with the place and 
opportunity to execute his heaven-appointed work 
of preaching the glorious Gospel of the Son of 
God. In those days the term ki Methodist" had in 
it much of reproach and humiliation, in the eyes 
of the narrow yet pretentious religionists of the 
times. But the tide of opinion favorable to Meth- 
odism was rising. The days of persecution .had 
passed. Philip Gatch had been tarred by a mob, 
while traveling the circuit of which the District of 
Columbia formed a part. But such treatment was 
now unknown. The itinerants were generally al- 
lowed to pursue their work without molestation. 
While they were often despised, they were not 
maltreated. The power and fervor of many of 
them attracted considerable attention, and their 
coming was the signal for the gathering of great 
crowds to hear the word of life. 

Methodism had already attempted that mastery 
of prejudice and public indifference which it has 
at length so successfully completed. The church 



2o Methodism in Washington, t>. C. 



in this place had its rise during the formative 
period of the denomination. A number of the 
missionaries sent to America by John Wesley were 
yet alive. Pilmoor, Rankin, and Shadford lin- 
gered, in ripened age, to witness the growth of a 
movement in whose beginning they had had a 
providential part. More than half of the men who 
composed the first Conference of Methodist preach- 
ers in America remained to bless the Church with 
their labor and counsel. Asbury's apostolic mis- 
sion was being prosecuted with unabated zeal. 
Coke, the "Foreign Minister " of Methodism, with 
a soul "as vast as ever dwelt in a human frame," 
was now in the midst of those extensive mission- 
ary enterprises that stand connected with his name. 
The men that were to succeed them had appeared 
and were in training for their work. The pillar 
of fire was directing the hosts of the Lord. The 
plan for holding the Annual Conferences had only 
just ¥ been settled. The first delegated General 
Conference was not held until years afterward. 
The Missionary Society had not yet been conceived. 
The Sunday-School enterprise was yet in its feeble 
infancy. None of the numerous Church-papers had 
yet appeared. The publication department, now 
one of the most marvelous developments of Chris- 
tian enterprise, was then of recent origin. "The 
Chartered Fund" had been founded but a few 
years. The now vast and still growing educational 
interests of the Church had then no beginning. 
Attempts to found institutions of learning had dis- 
astrously failed, though the Church had committed 
itself to the cause of education by the decided 



Introduction. 



21 



aption of its Conferences. In a word, when the 
Fourth-Street Church had its origin, Methodism 
was as a youth whose future is problematical, but 
whose vigor is the prophecy of a robust manhood ; 
whose plan of life has not yet been laid, but who 
waits the providential opportunity to prove his 
right to success. 

This church has seen Methodism grow until 
in our branch alone it has one hundred and thirty- 
one Conferences and missions ; until its membership 
is numbered by millions ; its ministry multiplied to 
tens of thousands ; its enterprises increased until 
almost every conceivable phase of benevolence has 
some carefully-organized agency to advance its in- 
terests;, its plans for evangelization widened until 
the world has become its parish ; its influence the 
most powerful of any of the religious denominations 
of the land ; and its material prosperity assumes 
such proportions as to show it to be in possession 
of the virtues that always win. * 



CHAPTER II. 

FOOT-PRINTS. 



"We Walk 

In the thick footprints of departed wen." — AleX. SmITH. 



The territory lying in the city of Washington 
was originally within the bounds of Asbury's great 
Baltimore Circuit ; for in 1773 that circuit included 
all the societies in Maryland and nearly half the 
Methodists in the country ; and he was assisted 
in the management of this extensive charge by 
Robert Strawbridge, Abraham Whitworth, and Jo- 
seph Yearbry. In February, 1774, this circuit w T as 
divided into four parts, and called respectively 
Baltimore Circuit, Baltimore Town, Frederick, and 
Kent Circuits. Thus this region became a part of 
the Frederick Circuit. 

Philip Gatch, one of the most laborious and 
heroic of the early intinerants, was appointed 
preacher in charge. He was only twenty-three 
years of age at the time of his appointment to 
this responsible charge. He was the second native 
itinerant. His labors on this circuit were abundant 



Foot-prints. 



and his trials as great. Beastly and heartless men 
offered him personal violence. One Saturday even- 
ing, while on his way to the Sunday appointment, 
two men forced him into a tavern he was passing. 
He was pressed to drink, but refused. He only 
escaped from their hands because they fell to quar- 
reling between themselves. During a subsequent 
pastorate on this circuit, he was tarred by a mob. 
He always afterward suffered from the effects of 
this treatment, one of his eyes having been seri- 
ously injured. He was a fearless man and preached 
at places from which ministers of another denomi- 
nation had been driven. He retired from the min- 
istry at the beginning of this century ; was for 
twenty-one years an associate judge of the Court 
of Common Pleas of Ohio. He died December 28, 
1835. 

William Duke was assistant. Duke was quite 
a youth at this time. Licensed to exhort when 
but seventeen years of age, he soon gave himself 
to the traveling ministry, and was appointed to 
what was then a frontier circuit. He was schol- 
arly, and carried with him a Greek Testament 
that once belonged to Captain Thomas Webb, the 
founder of Methodism on Long Island, in parts of 
New Jersey, and in Philadelphia. He remained in 
the Methodist ministry only six or seven years, 
and during the sacramental controversy that oc- 
curred among the Methodists of Virginia, located. 
He entered the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church, in which he had been brought up, was 
settled at Easton, Maryland, where he died in 1840. 
He wore his Methodist coat to the end, "was 



24 Methodism in Washington > D. C. 



loved and respected, and generally called Father 
Duke." 

In the early part of this year Edward Drum- 
gole, a native of Ireland, was employed on this 
circuit. He was converted from Romanism in 1770, 
and publicly read his recantation of his errors in 
the church, which greatly displeased some of his 
family. He located in 1786. General Drumgole, 
once a member of Congress, was his son, and is 
said to have been one of the most eloquent speakers 
in that body. 

The circuit derived its name from Frederick 
County, and comprised what is now known as 
Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Carroll, How- 
ard, Alleghany, Garrett, and the upper parts of 
Prince George's and Anne Arundel Counties, and 
the District of Columbia. Without being able to give 
a minute enumeration of all the appointments that 
were on the circuit at this time, mention may be 
made of Pipe Creek, Frederick Town, Westminster, 
Saxon's Sugar Loaf, Rocky Creek, Georgetown, and 
Adam's. To such widely-separated places were 
these preachers compelled to travel in the prose- 
cution of their 'ministry. 

Frederick Circuit was the home of two of the 
most prominent pioneer preachers : Robert Straw- 
bridge, probably the first in America to preach the 
doctrines of Methodism ; and Richard Owings, the 
first native local preacher. 

Asbury made frequent visits to this circuit in 
his oversight of the work. Previous to the Con- 
ference held on Christmas, 1784, at which the 
Methodist Episcopal Church was organized, and 



Foot- prints. 



25 



Asbury was ordained Bishop, he attended the quar- 
terly meetings of Frederick and Calvert Circuits, 
and kept a day of fasting and prayer that he might 
know the will of God concerning the matter. He 
was led to think it was of the Lord. 

Freeborn Garrettson began his ministry on this 
circuit at the outbreak of the Revolution. He has 
been pronounced "perhaps the most useful Meth- 
odist preacher ever raised up in America." Three 
different times he turned his horse towards home 
from his new field, desponding under his diffidence 
and the hardships of his work. But prayer in the 
solitary woods, the extraordinary impressions his 
discourses made on his audiences, or providential 
impediments deterred him, and at last confirmed 
him in his life-long mission of labor and sacrifice. 
A score were sometimes converted and added to 
the feeble societies of the circuit at a single meet- 
ing. 

Many great revivals occurred on this charge 
during those early years. The Church took deep 
root and grew. The societies increased, new 
preaching-places were opened, and it again became 
necessary to divide the work ; and at the Confer- 
ence held in 1788 the lower part of the circuit was 
organized into a separate charge, and called Mont- 
gomery Circuit, and Robert Green and John Allen 
were appointed to serve it. 

For thirteen years the Methodists of this re- 
gion were under the care of the pastors of this 
circuit. It was a godly succession of ministers, and 
a number of them will be recognized as among the 
most influential of the times. Their labors were 



26 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



often crowned with revivals. The charge shared 
in the general prosperity of Methodism. The year 
1800 was a time of general revival, and Mont- 
gomery Circuit reaped a harvest of three hundred 
and thirty converts. 

During the period now being considered, this 
part of Montgomery Circuit became a center of 
special interest to the whole country. It had been 
selected by George Washington as the seat of the 
General Government, and had been ceded to the 
United States by the State of Maryland. The city 
of Washington, called Federal City at first, had 
been laid out. The erection of the public build- 
ings had begun, though none of them were com- 
pleted. Congress had already been held in the 
new city, and hitherward had turned that tide of 
public business whose volume has become so great 
as to require the labor of many thousands of people. 

We find Methodism in this field, at the close 
of this period, one of the earliest denominations to 
seek a settlement in the new capital — the Prot- 
estant Episcopal Church being the only one that 
preceded it. 

It is difficult to fix the exact date of the 
introduction of Methodism into Washington. The 
charge appears in the list of appointments for 1802 
in connection with Georgetown, and this fact has 
caused that date to be fixed as the time of the 
commencement of our church. This is not at all 
conclusive. There is little doubt that Washington 
had been visited before that time by the Methodist 
itinerants. Bishop Simpson is the authority for 
the statement that Washington was included in the 



Foot- prints. 



27 



Georgetown charge in 1801, and that at the end of 
the year one hundred and eleven members were 
reported for both places. 

Some other significant circumstances point to 
an earlier date. Methodism had existed in George- 
town since 1772. Since 1791 Washington had been 
growing up by its side, and, according to the cen- 
sus for the year 1800, had reached a population of 
over three thousand. It is impossible to believe 
that it would have been so completely ignored by 
the preachers of the Frederick and Montgomery 
Circuits, in whose bounds it was situated, or by 
the presiding elders of those days ; especially when 
we remember that many of them were evangelists 
of remarkable power and delighted to push the 
victories of the cross into new regions. The names 
of Wilson Lee, William McKendree, Enoch George, 
William Watters, Daniel Hitt, and Nelson Reed 
belong to the ministry of this period. The sur- 
rounding places were occupied by these men. 

Methodism very early secured a foothold at 
Bladensburg. It was on the Frederick and Mont- 
gomery Circuits, and the preachers going thence 
to Georgetown, passing over the old Bladensburg 
Road, crossed the territory now occupied by the 
city to reach the Georgetown Bridge. Can we 
think that in the ten years of the city's life they 
had not once sought the opportunity to preach the 
word of life to this increasing population ? It would 
not have been in keeping with their character and 
methods. 

Methodism had been planted in Alexandria, 
Ya., in the earliest days. John King is known to 



28 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



have preached there as far back as 1772. The 
society had increased until in 1792 it was a sepa- 
rate charge, and entertained the Annual Conference. 
Ezekiel Cooper, "the walking encyclopaedia," was 
the pastor. He was accustomed to make preaching 
excursions. There is preserved the record of a 
trip he made across the Potomac to preach for the 
colored people at Oxon Hill Church. His contem- 
poraries were men of much the same habit, and it 
is a reflection on their foresight and zeal to sup- 
pose that the city of Washington, so near that on 
a clear day it could be seen from the parsonage 
window, had no place in their plans for the exten- 
sion of the kingdom of Christ. Methodism existed 
all around it, and it would be strange indeed if it 
had not entered there. It was yet the seedtime 
of the Church. Men were every day seeking new 
fields in which to plant the seed of the word. 
Places far less important and promising were 
eagerly entered, and what good reason can be 
given why they did not include this in the sphere 
of their labors? 

This region was not without a population be- 
fore it was selected as the seat of government. 
Besides the farms, with their necessary inhabitants, 
there were several considerable villages, among 
which Carrollsburg and Hamburg may be named. 
The necessary communication of these with the 
surrounding towns made it probable that they had 
been reached by Methodism in some way. 

The records of the times are very meager. 
If ever made with any fullness, they have not been 
preserved, and we must not positively conclude 



Foot-prints. 



29 



that, because we have no authentic statement to 
that effect, therefore the Methodist itinerants did 
not visit the place at an earlier time. All the 
circumstances mentioned make it reasonable to 
believe that Washington did not wait until 1802 
for the planting of our church. There may not 
have been a society in existence until the close of 
the century ; but there is little doubt that Meth- 
odist families were to be found among the earliest 
population of the city, and that they enjoyed 
at least the occasional ministrations of Methodist 
preachers. 



CHAPTER III. 



greenleaf's point. 



"From the heights of happy winning 
Gaze 7i>e back on hope- 's beginning.'" — GoODALE. 



At the Conference held in Baltimore, April i, 
1802, William Watters was appointed pastor of 
Georgetown and Washington. As an extended no- 
tice of him will appear in another chapter, it is 
sufficient to say that such was his experience in 
the ministry, his knowledge of the field before 
him, and his thirst for soul-saving power, that a 
more suitable selection could not have been made. 
He records that is was "a year of great peace 
and consolation." 

The place of meeting for the Methodists of 
that day is known to have been a private dwelling, 
located on Greenleaf's Point, in the southern part 
of the city. Fronting on South Capitol and N 
Streets, stood "The Twenty Buildings," notable in 
the history of the neighborhood. They were two- 
story-and-basement houses. The basements were 
of stone, and the remainder of bricks of a good 



Greenlcaf" s Point. 



3 1 



quality. In one of these the first society held 
divine worship. Tradition says it was the one at 
the corner of the streets named, and a blacksmith 
shop is pointed out as marking the place. None 
of these buildings remain now. Their fate is some- 
what tragic. In the changes of population, they 
became notorious as the resort of disreputable 
characters, making the neighborhood undesirable 
for residence or business. Some of them were at 
length burned out. The burning is said to have 
been the work of some persons who chose this 
method of ridding the community of an intolerable 
nuisance. The Methodist society remained in this 
place four or five years. 

In 1802, 1803, and 1804 it retained its connec- 
tion with Georgetown — John Potts and Seely Bunn 
being the pastors in the last-named years. 

In 1805 Washington City appears in the min- 
utes as a separate station, with William Watters as 
pastor once more, making the sixth time he had 
served the church in this region in that capacity. 
After the first quarter of the year he exchanged 
pulpits every other Sabbath w r ith the preacher at 
Georgetown. He was endeared to the people of 
both places. They were ''loving and kind," and 
many delightful seasons of Christian fellowship 
occurred during the year. Peace prevailed. He 
met no "jar nor considerable uneasiness among 
them" The congregation was considerably in- 
creased, and there were some additions to the 
membership. 

In 1806 no appointment was made for Wash- 
ington City, or, if made, no record of it has yet 



32 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



been found. The General Minutes state that sixty- 
one white and twenty-five colored members were 
reported for that year ; but no mention is made 
of any pastoral assignment. The year, however, 
was prosperous ; for at the next Conference a net 
increase of fifteen members was reported. 

In order that we may appreciate the surround- 
ings of this young and struggling church, let us 
look at the Washington of that time. More than 
ten years had transpired since the act was passed 
by Congress locating the Capital of the nation at 
this place, and more than three thousand persons 
were scattered over the field it occupied. Green- 
leaf's Point had the largest number of houses of 
any section. In 1800 it had the appearance of a 
considerable town. There were fifty or sixty spa- 
cious houses, and no fences or gardens, and but 
little business, and that stagnation had begun 
which has left the Point but little different from 
its condition at that time. 

Some other parts of the city were more pros- 
perous. New Jersey Avenue was a very prominent 
street then. Business must have thrived there. 
Houses of entertainment for man and beast, hard- 
ware stores, bookselling and printing establishments, 
dry-goods stores, and rival dress-making places are 
advertised in the papers of the period as being 
located on New Jersey Avenue, reaching from the 
Capitol to the Eastern Branch. Capitol Hill also 
gave its evidences of growth. William Tunicliff's 
Hotel was there, and some business houses of va- 
rious kinds. There were several hotels in the city, 
also a circulating library kept by Hugh Somerville. 



Greenleaf* s Point. 



33 



Pennsylvania Avenue, now supposed to be the 
most magnificent thoroughfare on the continent, 
was then in a very marshy condition, and could 
be but little used for travel. The Capitol was 
unfinished— but one wing having been built. Chip- 
pings from the stones of which it was being con- 
structed were put down in places to make sidewalks. 
The President's House, not yet completed, was sur- 
rounded by massive forest trees. The departments 
of the Government were all accommodated in a 
single brick house, located on the line of Pennsyl- 
vania Avenue, at what is now Twenty-third Street. 
East of the Capitol, in the direction of the Navy 
Yard, was the Prout farm, which, as it was ex- 
pected the city would be built eastwardly, was laid 
out in building lots, though as yet not many houses 
had been erected. 

A splendid plan of the city had been made, 
but little had been done to execute it. The mem- 
bers of Congress lived mostly in Georgetown, and 
found the long trip to the Capitol, under such 
circumstances, very trying. Their letters show that 
some of them made no attempt to conceal their 
disgust at the condition of things. Some of the 
epithets they applied to it reveal its condition. 
They called it " The Wilderness City," ''Capital of 
Miserable Huts," "City of Streets without Houses," 
City of Magnificent Distances," "A Mudhole equal 
to the great Serbonian Bog." Thomas Moore, the 
Irish poet, visited Washington in 1804, and wrote 
of it as follows : 



34 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



"This embryo Capital, where fancy sees 
Squares in morasses, obelisks in trees ; 
Which second-sighted seers even now adorn 
With shrines unbuilt and heroes yet unborn." 

The fancy that saw such things in the condi- 
tions of that da}- was prophetic. The second-sight 
of the seers was the true. The squares and obel- 
isks have come. The heroes have been born, 
have fought their battles, and the grateful nation 
has given them an imperishable record in the 
bronze and marble that adorn our streets. Our 
"Magnificent Distances" are the delight of all 
visitors, American and foreign. The architectural 
variety and beauty of our public buildings and 
private residences are unequaled, while the taste 
and munificence that have made the city a vast 
park excite the grateful wonder of all. But in the 
early times the promise of such glory was not 
great, and there was but little to attract a popu- 
lation. This, briefly told, was the field over which 
the Methodist preachers had to travel in connec- 
tion with Georgetown. 

But little information can be obtained con- 
cerning the church at that day. Some facts have 
come down to us, but the record is far from 
complete. The first official meeting of which any 
account has been preserved, was held at George- 
town, April 7, 1803. Rev. John Potts was the 
preacher in charge. The society at Greenleaf's 
Point was represented by Joseph Wheat, Peter 
Miller, and George Collard. The brethren were 
in a business mood that day. Many things came 
before them for consideration, and the account of 



Greenlcaf s Point. 35 

their meeting contains some very suggestive read- 
ing. The preacher had just been appointed to 
the charge, and it was thought necessary to settle 
some matters concerning him. Resolutions were 
adopted, which, without any danger of miscon- 
struction, declare their judgment on the points 
involved. They were as follows : 

1. Resolved, that it is the opinion of this meeting 
that our stationed preacher ought not to keep a horse ; 
the friends at the Point agree to furnish one for him to 
attend there and return to Georgetown. 

2. Resolved, that he attend at the Point one Sabbath 
in three, and return on that day to Georgetown, to night 
preaching. 

3. Resolved, that he board with Isaac Owens, at one 
hundred and sixty-seven dollars per year, to be found in 
washing, mending, etc., e^tc. 

4. Resolved, the friends at the Point agree to pay 
one-third of his salary and one-fourth of his boarding, 
making in all sixty-eight dollars, and we hereby agree to 
accept the same. 

5. Resolved, that in case of sickness or death attend- 
ing the preacher, the friends at the Point agree to pay 
one-third of the expense incident thereto. 

Isaac Owens, with whom the preacher boarded, 
was one of the most active members at George- 
town, and also belonged to the official board. 
From the resolutions quoted above it will be seen 
that the total allowance for ministerial support for 
the year was the sum of two hundred and forty-five 
dollars and seventy-five cents, to be apportioned 
among one hundred and fifty-six members. There 
must have been some negligent class-leaders in the 
charge at that time ; for at the same official meeting 



36 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



a resolution was passed, requiring "the stewards to 
lay a strong injunction of strict punctuality upon 
the class-leaders as to the collection and payment 
of class-money and the quarterly subscription's." 

The subject of slavery, the most fruitful cause 
of agitation the country ever knew, and which 
finally lead to one of the greatest wars of history, 
could not fail to be a disturbing factor in a church 
that stood recorded in opposition to it. From the 
beginning the Methodist Episcopal Church forbade 
"the buying or selling of men, women, or children 
with an intention to enslave them." It was de- 
clared by later legislation to be "contrary to the 
law of God and nature, and inconsistent with the 
Golden Rule," and both preachers and people 
were admonished to keep themselves pure from 
this great evil, and to seek its extirpation by all 
lawful and Christian means. 

This first official meeting was required to con- 
sider this exciting subject, as the following extracts 
from the minutes show. "- — - gave notice that 
he had bought a negro woman, and requested to 
know what length of time she must serve. Her 
age 24 or 25 years. Price given $220. Adjudged 
to serve ten years." This woman was freed in 
1805, about two years after this transaction. The 
record of her manumission may be found at the 

City Hall. Another case required attention. " ■ 

having purchased an old black woman named Chloe : 
Resolved, that, as from her age the law prevents 
the society from manumitting her, the Conference 
take no further notice of the case at present." 
Such occurrences were frequent in those days, as 



Greenlea f ' s Point. 



37 



the records of other charges show, and reveal the 
efforts the Church made to be just to all the par- 
ties to the transaction. 

This charge during this period was favored with 
the visits and ministrations of its chief pastors. 
Bishop Asbury preached at Georgetown, March 28, 
1803, from Hebrews, 4th chapter, 15th and 16th 
verses, and says, ''It was a quickening time." 
Bishop Whatcoat started, in December, 1803, on a 
widely-extended tour of the churches, and records 
that he visited Federal City (Washington). No 
particulars of his work while here are given. His 
well-known devotion to his calling is a sufficient 
guarantee that his presence was a blessing ; for 
his labors were accompanied with unusual spiritual 
influence, and frequently manifestations of an ex- 
traordinary character attended his ministry. He 
was a leading instrument in the great revival that 
swept over the Church after the General Confer- 
ence of 1800, the session at which he was elected 
bishop. 

The first known Methodists of Washington City 
were John Lipscomb and his wife Elizabeth, who 
tfnited with the society in October, 1794. They 
held their membership at Georgetown, there being 
no society in the city at that time. They were 
from Prince William County, Ya., and had been 
converted under the ministry of Rev. Francis As- 
bury. This godly couple gave three sons to the 
Methodist ministry. 

Philip D. Lipscomb was a member of the Bal- 
timore Conference for nearly forty-eight years. He 
was a man of elevated character and great useful- 



38 



Methodism in Washington, D.C. 



ness. Robert M. Lipscomb likewise belonged to 
this Conference, and for fifty-nine years sustained 
a spotless ministerial character. He was pastor of 
this church in 1852. William C. Lipscomb was a 
local preacher. Though a young man, he was one 
of the first to adopt the principles of reform in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and became early 
recognized as a leader in that movement. He 
served as secretary of the General Conference of 
the Methodist Protestant Church, and at the ses- 
sion held in Lynchburg, Ya., 1858, was chosen 
president. He was a Christian somewhat over sev- 
enty years. The promise made to the righteous 
is that "his seed shall be mighty upon the earth; 
the generation of the upright shall be blessed." 
In this family there was a signal proof of this 
truth. What good came to the world through the 
combined ministry of these men who can estimate? 
Andrew A. Lipscomb, D. D., LL.D. — preacher, edu- 
cator, and author — is the son of William C. 
Lipscomb. 

Of the other members of the church at Green- 
leaf's Point the information is very meager. No 
roll of membership has been preserved. A few 
facts have been handed down. 

Near where the United States Arsenal now 
stands a brother named Wheat had a vegetable 
garden, from which he supplied the workmen at 
the Navy Yard. Further east lived a Methodist 
baker named Peter Miller, who supplied the Navy 
Yard with bread. Near the shop of Brother Miller 
stood the cottage of another Methodist, by the 
name of Palmer. He was a godly, useful member 



Greenleaf s Point. 



39 



of the society, accustomed to perform works of 
mercy and charity. During one of his visitations 
of the sick he was accompanied by Rev. Lewis R. 
Fechtig, of the Baltimore Conference, who was 
stricken with a mortal illness and was carried to 
the home of Mr. Palmer, where he died September 
25, 1823. 

George Collard was also a member at the Point. 
He continued in the fellowship of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church for many years, holding positions 
of responsibility. In the reform movement of 1828 
he withdrew from the church, and was one of the 
original members of the First Methodist Protestant 
Church. He lived to be quite old. 

Of the other members of the society at that 
period we know nothing. But to their fidelity we 
owe the subsequent growth of the church. They 
were the good seed that multiplied into the har- 
vest of the present. Their maintenance of the 
peculiarities of Methodism was the leaven that 
so far affected society as to give them increasing 
influence in their day and make possible the suc- 
cesses of the future. They were the workmen that 
laid the foundations of our beloved church so deep 
and broad that those who followed them found 
that they might safely build thereupon ; and they 
too were "the lively stones" which the Master 
used for His glorious house. They are still a part 
of this church. They "rest from their labors, and 
their works do follow them," helping to achieve 
the successes of the present, and moving towards 
the Judgment where they will determine their eter- 
nal reward. Their names are written in heaven. 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE TOBACCO HOUSE. 



" Out of names traditions, private records and evidences , ... .and the 

like save and recover somewhat from the deluge of time." — Lord Bacon. 



How long the Methodists worshiped in "The 
Twenty Buildings" is not exactly known ; but they 
continued to occupy those humble quarters for sev- 
eral years, the meanwhile steadily increasing their 
numbers. At length reasons appeared for their 
removal. The increase of population was occur- 
ring in other parts of the city. The neighborhood 
of the Capitol and Navy Yard was filling up more 
rapidly, and the church could reach the people 
more readily by moving in that direction. Then 
also the society, even with its disadvantages, had 
outgrown the accommodations Greenleaf's Point 
afforded, and must find a place elsewhere. One 
record says that, "on account of the large increase 
in the congregation, the society moved from Green- 
leaf's Point to a place on New Jersey Avenue, 
and continued there for a long time." The date 
of removal must have been 1807, and John Watson 



The Tobacco House. 



41 



the pastor under whose ministry it occurred. The 
place of worship now chosen by the Methodists, 
while more commodious than that at the Point, 
was certainly not more elegant. 

On New Jersey Avenue, south of D Street, 
there stood, at the beginning of the century, a 
building that had been the barn of Dudley Carroll, 
who had been one of the proprietors of the land 
south of the Capitol. It had been used as a 
tobacco house, but for years it had ceased to be 
used for such purposes. This was the place to 
w T hich the growing Methodist congregation came 
when it migrated from Greenleaf's Point. Here 
it maintained divine services for about four years. 

The "Old Tobacco House" had an interesting 
history. Before it came into the possession of the 
Methodists it had been used for thirty years as a 
place of worship by the Protestant Episcopalians, 
and was called Christ's Church. It was the pre- 
decessor of the present Christ Church on G Street, 
between Sixth and Seventh Streets S. E. While 
occupied by the Episcopalians it served the double 
purpose of church and school-house, a part of the 
building being taken for the latter purpose. Dr. 
McCormick, after whom the McCormick School 
Building of the city is named, was rector there a 
part of this time. It was attached to St. John's 
Parish in Prince George's County, Md. 

The old building has long since disappeared. 
A sketch of it remains, however, having been 
made, in 1828, from a picture in a magazine or 
newspaper. Mr. E. P. Cranch, a son of Chief 
Justice Cranch, is the artist. It was a very quaint- 



42 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



looking structure. The material was wood. It had 
a hip-roof. The main entrance was on the south 
side. The pulpit was opposite the door. The 
school-room had its own entrance. There were 
no fences about it nor any trees, at the time the 
Methodists used it. The windows, small and far 
from the ground, were amply protected by the 
solid shutters that inclosed them. 

During the period of its occupancy by the 
Episcopalians many of the leading men of the 
country worshiped in it, including President Jeffer- 
son, who was accustomed to ride on horseback on 
Sunday, from the White House to the church, and 
tie his horse outside, to remain till after service. 
After it had been vacated by the Christ's Church 
congregation, it was secured by the Greenleaf's 
Point Methodist Society, and used by it until 1811. 

There were one hundred and two members in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church of Washington 
City when this change of location was made. The 
years of its continuance in this place were pros- 
perous. One hundred and fifty-nine members were 
enrolled at the close of this period, four years 
later. Its growth, though not rapid, was solid, and 
made future achievements possible. The pastors of 
the society at that time were among the strongest 
and most influential men in the Church, or after- 
wards became so. Joshua Wells, James Smith, 
James Saunders, and Beverly Waugh were their 
names. The church was reaching out to lay hands 
upon the now rapidly increasing population of the 
city. Its period of probation was past. All ques- 
tion as to its ability to stay and maintain its growth 



The Tobacco House. 



43 



was forever at rest. It must henceforth be recog- 
nized as a leavening agency in society. It could 
make its appeal to men on the ground of the 
scripturalness of its doctrines, the high virtues it 
inculcated, and the shining examples of grace it 
afforded. The marvelous power of Methodism w T as 
performing its miracles of transformation in the 
communities of the land, in every direction; and 
the increasing influence of the Washington society 
was only in keeping with the experience of the 
Church at large In those days a prestige w r as 
achieved which has not been lost even to these. 
An impulse was then given it which helped it to 
the easier position of after years. This church 
ought always to be thankful to the Providence 
that gave it such a spiritual ancestry, that sent to 
it such an able ministry, and that as a pillar of 
cloud and fire led it through its sea of trouble and 
wilderness of fears to the promised land of its 
present prosperity. 

"The Old Tobacco House" was not used as 
a church after the Methodists vacated it. Two 
gentlemen, named James and Electius Middleton, 
made a carpenter shop of it. During the second 
war with Great Britain the boys of the neighbor- 
hood were organized into a company of soldiers, 
and the wooden guns they used were made in this 
place. 

The fate of the "Twenty Buildings," where 
Methodism was organized, was the fate of this 
place, in which it achieved so notable a success. 
It was destroyed by fire. It was still used as a 
carpenter shop when, in 1817, while a workman 



44 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 

was boiling glue, an accident caused it to take 
fire, and it was burned down. Thus was removed 
a landmark that indicated an important period in 
the history of two religious denominations. 



t 



CHAPTER V. 



EBENEZER. 



il No silver saints, by dying misers given, 
Here bribed the rage of ill-requited Heaven; 
But such j>lain roofs as /piety could raise, 
And only vocal with the Maker's J>raise." 

—Alexander Pope, 



Washington, from being a city mostly on 
paper, had begun, by this time, more fully to 
work out on the lines of the original plan. More 
streets were opened in different sections, although 
for many years afterward it was still true that 
"the magnificence of the plan served to emphasize 
the poverty of the execution." Yet there had been 
progress. Though the original design of making 
the plateau east of the Capitol the principal part 
of the city had been thwarted by the ill-timed 
greed of property-owners who asked exorbitant 
prices for their land, the southeastern section was 
steadily increasing its population, and owners were 
realizing a fair price at their sales. 

The Prout property had been advertised for 
sale since 1800. Mr. William Prout, who was an 
Episcopalian, had given the vestry of Christ Church 



46 Metliodism in Washington, D. C. 



two lots on G Street, on condition that a church 
should be built thereon in one year, which was 
done, the edifice being opened for divine service 
August 9, 1807. 

A part of this same tract was secured by the 
Methodists for a new church. On October 5, 18 10, 
the trustees appointed purchased from William 
Prout a part of Square 822, located on Fourth 
Street, between South Carolina Avenue and G 
Street, for the sum of tw T o hundred and twenty- 
seven dollars and sixty-four cents ; and proceeded 
to erect thereon a house of worship suitable to 
the needs of the growing congregation. Those 
first trustees were Henry Foxall, John Brashears, 
Electius Middleton, Ambrose White, James Yanza- 
nette, John A. Chambers, Leonard Mackall, John 
Eliason, and Jacob Hoffman. 

Of these trustees Henry Foxall was the best 
known. He was an important man in his day, 
and more information is at hand concerning him 
than any of the others. He was a local preacher 
in Georgetown, but had gained an influence in the 
Church at large. In 1796 and again in 1800 he 
had been a trustee of the Chartered Fund, ''an 
association to afford relief and support to the itin- 
erant, worn out, and superannuated preachers of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church." He was an 
intimate friend of Bishop Asbury, who in his fre- 
quent visits to Georgetown, often put up at his 
home. And this field of labor undoubtedly occu- 
pied the mind of the bishop many a time as the 
affairs of the Church were talked over in the home 
of this servant of God. 



Ebcnezcr. 



47 



Foxall was born in England, in 1760. He was 
converted in Dublin, Ireland, at the age of twenty- 
five years ; emigrated to America in 1794. His 
business was that of a founder. Residing at Phila- 
delphia at first, he was for a time the partner of 
Robert Morris, the great financier of the Revo- 
lution. He amassed considerable wealth, and was 
"a man of great benevolence of character. He 
was devoted to the philanthropic movements of 
the Church, gave liberally to the missionary cause. 
He built and presented a parsonage to the church 
in Georgetown." He bequeathed five thousaud dol- 
lars to the Chartered Fund and the same amount 
to the Missionary Society of the Wesley an Church 
of England. 

Foxall was at one time mayor of Georgetown. 
His home is said to have been the gathering-place 
of "the wit, beauty, and learning of the day." 
John Quincy Adams, Gouverneur Morris, and 
Francis Scott Key, the author of the Star-Spangled 
Banner, were his frequent guests. He was an in- 
timate friend of Thomas Jefferson, who was instru- 
mental in bringing him to Washington. Jefferson's 
mechanical turn of mind often led him to consult 
Foxall about some proposed invention. He pre- 
sented one of his patent air-tight stoves to his 
friend. But the stove must have been a failure ; 
for one of Foxall' s descendants declares he has 
"frozen before it" many a time. Foxall had a 
fiddle that Jefferson used to play, hours at a time, 
when visiting him. 

The first bored cannons made in America were 
the work of Foxall. During the war with Great 



48 Methodism in Washington^ D. C. 



Britain, cannons were drawn by teams of oxen 
from his foundry in Georgetown across to Lake 
Erie, and were used by Perry in the famous battle 
of that name. 

When Washington was captured by the British, 
and the Capitol and White House were burned, 
it seemed inevitable that Foxall's foundry should 
share the same fate, as orders had been given to 
that effect. But they were not carried out; and 
regarding the preservation, of his property as provi- 
dential, he built the first Foundry Church as a 
memorial of the divine goodness, and presented it 
to the society. A large and fine portrait of him 
now hangs in the parlor of the present Foundry. 

He died in 1823, during a visit to his old 
home in England. We do not know the extent of 
his gifts to the new church enterprise upon which 
he had entered with the Washington Methodists ; 
but, from his well-known liberality, we may con- 
clude that he did his duty as a steward of the 
Lord. It must be remembered that his member- 
ship remained at Georgetown, and that, like a man 
of his position to-day, he would have many de- 
mands made upon his pockets from objects both 
worthy and unworthy. 

Electius Middleton, another of these trustees, 
was a carpenter by trade, and occupied the 14 Old 
Tobacco House" as a shop after it had ceased to 
be used as a church. 

Ambrose White was a stone-mason, and did 
such good work that this generation hears him 
praised for his faithfulness. He became blind in 
his later years. 



Ebenezcr. 



49 



John A. Chambers, a local preacher, was a 
rope-maker, and carried on his business at Green- 
leaf's Point. He was devoted to the cause of 
God, and gave the use of his ropewalk for a 
Sunday-school, which his equally devoted wife 
conducted. 

Leonard Mackall and John Eliason continued 
to be members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
until 1828, when they withdrew from it, and were 
among the forty-four that organized what is now 
the Congress-Street Methodist Protestant Church 
of Georgetown. 

Of the other trustees no information has been 
obtained. That they were men of enterprise we 
may conclude from the success with which they 
carried out the work committed to them. 

These trustees, with Beverly Waugh, then a 
young unmarried preacher in charge of the station, 
proceeded to build a church on the lot purchased, 
and in November, 181 1, it was formally dedicated 
to the worship of Almighty God. This was the 
first church built by the Methodists in Washington 
City. It was a house of moderate dimensions, 
built of bricks. Some years later a chapel for 
school purposes was built on the south side of it. 
The church was comfortable and met the needs of 
the times. The interior was plain. There were 
galleries on three sides ; they were reached by steps 
running from the sides of the doors inside up to 
the north and south walls. 

The building of this church must have taxed 
to the utmost the resources of this congregation ; 
for it was not furnished for some time after it 



50 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



began to be used. There were no seats at first. 
Benches and chairs and stools were brought from 
the homes of the people, and those who were so 
improvident as to come without such conveniences 
were compelled to stand during the services. Very 
good seats were afterwards put in. 

The church was heated by huge box-stoves, 
and to add to their personal comfort, many of the 
ladies, on very cold days, brought foot-warmers, 
and filled them with live coals from the stoves. 
The lighting was done by means of tallow candles. 
A chandelier holding a number of candles hung 
from the center of the ceiling, and candlesticks of 
various kinds were placed on the pulpit and in 
other parts of the room. The sexton, intrusted 
with the task of keeping the lights bright, made a 
round of all the candles as often as was necessary 
during the services, standing on the backs of the 
benches to reach the chandelier, and, with the 
snuffers he carried, trimmed them. During a long 
service this would occur quite frequently. This 
primitive mode of illumination at length gave way 
to more modern methods. 

The sexes were seated separately during wor- 
ship. A partition four feet high kept the males 
and females apart, and after the congregation was 
dismissed, the husbands and brothers and beaux 
formed a double line from the door out to the 
street, and the ladies, running the gauntlet, were 
picked up by their waiting escorts. A very high 
fence at first inclosed the lot, greatly interfering 
with the view. This was afterward replaced by 
one less objectionable. 



Ebenezer. 



5 T 



In 1819 this church was called Ebenezer, a 
name that it retained until it was superseded by 
the present Fourth-Street Church. It is to be re- 
gretted that the name was ever changed : confusion 
has ensued. In a "Roll of the Pastoral Charges 
of the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church," published in 1885 by "The Ameri- 
can Methodist Historical Society," because the 
original name of the charge had disappeared from 
the minutes, the year 1858 is given as the date of 
its organization, and Foundry is credited with the 
first fifteen years of its history, while no account 
is made of the intervening forty-one years. Besides 
this, Ebenezer is the name by which the church is 
known in the deeds by which it holds its property, 
and frequent identification is necessary ; and with- 
out much care some interest of the church may 
become imperiled. 

It was customary, in the early days, for the 
Methodists to provide places for the interment of 
the dead, under their own auspices, where they 
might await the resurrection of the just. Many 
tracts of land were purchased in different parts of 
the country, and consecrated, not by priestly cere- 
mony, but by placing in them the mortal remains 
of the saints of the Most High. 

The funerals were simple — without any of the 
features that sometimes make a modern funeral a 
pageant, instead of a solemn march to the city of 
tombs. At most of the funerals no carriages were 
used. The family and friends marched in orderly 
procession. The coffin was borne on a bier by 
men whose places were taken at intervals by others 



52 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



who were kept in reserve for that purpose. The 
plain, Quaker-like dress of the Methodists of the 
time made them known wherever seen, and the 
funeral of a Methodist would be recognized at 
once by a glance at the procession. Oftentimes 
they sang as they marched. The hymns over 
which they shouted in their meeting-houses, whose 
melody in their hearts, as they labored and en- 
dured, made them strong for both — the hymns sung 
by the beds of the sick and dying — the glorious 
hymns of Charles Wesley and the lesser but popu- 
lar poets, were sung by the sorrowing church as 
it bore its dead to the grave and while they were 
being covered from its sight. Hundreds of times 
has that scene occurred when the members of 
Ebenezer died. Often have these streets resounded 
with the songs of faith and hope, as our fathers 
went their last journey with their friends. 

On December 2, 1824, the Methodist Cemetery, 
occupying Square No. 1102, was purchased from 
the United States ; J. Elgar, Commissioner of Pub- 
lic Buildings, representing the Government in the 
transaction. The trustees of the church at that 
date, who with their successors became the custo- 
dians of the cemetery, were Israel Little, James 
Friend, Nathaniel Brady, Ambrose White, Patrick 
Kain, William Speiden, and George Adams. The 
amount paid for the land was one hundred and 
fifty dollars. 

The deed contains some singular restrictions, 
in view of the money paid for it — the full amount 
of its value at the time it was bought. The trus- 
tees were required to set apart one-fourth of the 



Ebenczer, 



53 



square for ''the free interment of persons who may 
die in said city without leaving the means of pur- 
chasing grave-sites or paying for the privilege of 
burial therein." It was also provided that "the 
price demanded for grave-sites and the privilege 
of burial in said square shall in no instance exceed 
the sum of two dollars for each grave, exclusive of 
the customary expense of digging a grave." It 
was to "be held in trust forever for no other use, 
intent, and purpose whatsoever" than as a ceme- 
tery. The generosity of the trustees in submitting 
to such conditions and restrictions, in the course 
of time, became an embarrassment to the church. 
A sufficient revenue for its maintainance could not 
be secured from it under the charter. Successive 
boards of trustees for half a century have wrestled 
with the question of how to keep it in proper 
condition. Many times private subscriptions have 
been taken for the purpose of improving it ; but 
at all times the need of a regular and sufficient 
income prevented necessary repairs and improve- 
ments 

It was at first a popular burial ground ; but 
in the course of time the interments grew less, 
thus decreasing the income and correspondingly 
increasing the difficulty of its maintenance. Fi- 
nally, nobody was buried there, except "such as 
left no means of purchasing grave-sites or paying 
for the privilege of burial." Difficulty has some- 
times been experienced in keeping it from becoming 
a common pasture for the cattle of the neighbor- 
hood. 

At length its dilapidated condition aroused in- 



54 



Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



terest concerning it. The old question of ways 
and means for improvement again confronted the 
trustees. Without resource for such a purpose, 
they referred the matter to those holding grave- 
sites and other interested persons. After due pub- 
lication, a meeting was held in December, 1890, at 
the Fourth-Street Church. There was a large and 
representative gathering. The proposition of the 
trustees was to establish a fund the income of 
which would be sufficient to provide for the future 
needs of the cemetery. But this did not meet 
with favor, and after mature deliberation the trus- 
tees were unanimously requested to take such steps 
as might be necessary to sell the property and 
remove the dead to a suitable cemetery or ceme- 
teries. The pastor, W. M. Ferguson, and R. W. 
Dunn were appointed a committee from the board 
of trustees to carry out the request of the site- 
holders' meeting. Application was made to the. 
Commissioners of the District of Columbia for re- 
lief from the disabilities of the charter Powerless 
themselves to grant the request, they recommended 
to Congress favorable action upon a bill presented 
to the United States Senate, by Senator Faulkner, 
of West Virginia, to invest Square 1102, in fee 
simple, in the board of trustees, and "removing 
all restrictions whatsoever." The trustees named 
in the bill were as follows: Theodore Sniffin, Rob- 
ert W. Dunn, Edward F. Casey, Francis A. Belt, 
Thomas E. Trazzare, James T. Harrison, Maurice 
Otterback, Robert E. Cook, and Arthur A. Chapin. 
The bill has passed the Senate. 



Ebcnczcr. 



55 



. Methodism has had no doctrinal divisions. The 
same creed is held by all ; but from the early days 
there have been differences of opinion concerning 
various points of its polity. Sometimes the dissent 
has affected only a few persons, and after a tran- 
sient agitation, has ceased to have any perceptible 
influence on the life of the Church. Its progress 
has not been thereby retarded. At other times the 
dissatisfaction has grown to such proportions that 
divisions have resulted and new churches have been 
organized ; and so the Methodisms of the land are 
many. But the spirit of union is now abroad in the 
churches, and they can so far forget their differences 
as to sit together as one Methodism in Ecumenical 
Conference. May all traces of bitterness between 
the members of this sisterhood of denominations 
soon and forever disappear ! May all these wounds 
in the body of Christ soon be healed ! This narra- 
tive requires that we consider the effect of one of 
these divisions upon the history of this church. 

The economy of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, adopted in 1784, placed the legislative 
power exclusively in the hands of the itinerant 
preachers. They were to compose the Confer- 
ences. It was not long after the organization of 
the Church until discussion and dissatisfaction arose. 
The mode of making the appointments of pastors 
and presiding elders and the general powers of the 
bishops were the subjects of criticism. Consider- 
able excitement spread through the Church, as 
the membership and ministry ranged themselves 
on one side or the other of these questions. After 
the General Conference of 1820, lay representation 



56 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



in the Conferences, the modification or abolition of 
the presiding eldership, and the change or destruc- 
tion of the episcopacy were openly advocated. 

At the end of that quadrennium — when the 
General Conference met in 1824 — the agitation 
had assumed such shape that petitions were pre- 
sented in favor of these changes. But they were 
declared inexpedient ; the propositions for change 
being voted down by a decided majority. 

On the 21st of May of that year, and while the 
General Conference was in session, a meeting of 
the friends of reform was held in Baltimore, at 
which it was resolved to publish a periodical, to 
be called The Mutual Rights, and to form union 
societies within the Church in all parts of the 
United States, in order to disseminate their prin- 
ciples. Exciting controversies followed. The for- 
mation of societies aroused much feeling in the 
Church, and the result w r as that a number of per- 
sons in Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, and Ohio 
were suspended or expelled. Appeals were taken 
to the Annual Conferences, which resulted in the 
confirmation of the sentences. 

The Baltimore Conference, and especially Bal- 
timore City, became involved in the strife and 
were centers of agitation. In 1827 a number of 
persons were expelled for being members of the 
union society and taking part in its movements. 
This expulsion was followed by the withdrawal of 
a number of their friends, "who alleged that the 
persecution was wholly owing to a difference of 
opinion about Church government." Those who 
were thus separated from the Church organized 



Ebenczev. 



57 



themselves, in January, 1828, into a society called 
the Associate Methodist Reformers. 

An attempt was made at the General Confer- 
ence held at Pittsburg, Pa., in 1828, to reconcile 
the differences and restore the unity of the denomi- 
nation ; but it failed. 

On November 12, 1828, a convention met in 
St. John's Church, Baltimore, and a provisional 
Church was organized, to be called the Associate 
Methodist Churches. The convention met again 
in November, 1830, at the same place. After a 
full deliberation, the name agreed upon was The 
Methodist Protestant Church. A declaration of 
principles was prepared, and regulations for the 
government of the Church w r ere enacted. The 
episcopacy and presiding eldership were rejected ; 
each Conference to elect its president. Ministers and 
laymen were to sit in equal numbers in the Annual 
and General Conferences. Class-leaders were to be 
elected annually by those members who compose 
the respective classes. At the organization of the 
Methodist Protestant Church there were five thou- 
sand members, including eighty ministers. 

The agitation was not long in reaching Wash- 
ington City. Georgetown was greatly disturbed by 
it, and differences of opinion on the points involved 
in the controversy began to show themselves among 
the members of Ebenezer congregation. William 
Ryland, a man of great prudence and courage, was 
the pastor during the eventful years of 1827 and 
1828. But so deep became the dissatisfaction with 
our economy that he was not able to maintain the 
unity of the church. Families were divided on 



5§ 



Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



the questions at issue. Men were known in their 
agitation to walk the floor all night, trying to 
determine what to do — whether to remain in the 
fellowship of the Methodist Episcopal Church or to 
unite in the reform movement. The official mem- 
bers were divided. In their business meetings 
they found themselves becoming more widely di- 
vergent in opinion, until a separation became inev- 
itable. The crisis was reached at the close of 
1828, when a number of members withdrew from 
Ebenezer, and, on January 7, 1829, organized the 
first Methodist Protestant church, under the name 
of the Methodist Associate Church of Washington 
City. 

There were thirty-two persons in the first se- 
cession from Ebenezer, and they were the original 
members of the First Church. They were as fol- 
lows : John B. Ferguson, Nathaniel Brady, Thomas 
Wheat, William Speiden, George W. Grant, William 
Sexsmith, Joseph Radcliffe, James Sloan, Walter 
Evans, Hen^ Awkward, George Collard, P. W. 
Pearson, William Wheat, John W. Ferguson, James 
R. Ferguson, Elizabeth Little, Susan Brady, Mary 
Wheat, Sarah Boyce, Mahala Wilson, Mary E. 
Wheat, Sarah Ferguson, Ann Collard, Maria Evens, 
Marion Speiden-, Catherine Madcalf, Rebecca Sex- 
smith, Ann Walker, Mary Smith, Julia Radcliff, 
Ann Peonall, and Mary Green. This list contains 
the names of several official members. 

One week after the date of organization, an- 
other party withdrew and further strengthened the 
new society. The Virginia - Avenue Church was 
subsequently erected, and continues until this day. 



Ebenezer. 



59 



The first pastor was Rev. J. Hanson ; the present 
pastor, Rev. Q. R. Bacchus. During the sixty-three 
years since its organization the church has had as 
pastors some of the strongest and most active men 
in the Conference. At least five have reached the 
presidency of the Conference, viz. : Daniel E. Reese, 
Josiah Varden, J. J. Murray, J. W. Everist, and W. 
S. Hammond. The congregation at first took the 
name of Mount Olive. In 1836 the name was 
changed to East Washington, and in 1872 to First 
Church. 

By this division Ebenezer lost considerable 
strength; but, under a vigorous administration, it 
was able to endure the shock, and, closing ranks, 
advanced in its career of increasing success. 

John L. Gibbons succeeded William Ryland, 
in 1829, and remained two years. Entering upon 
his pastorate before the excitement attending the 
division had subsided, he had an arduous task 011 
his hands, and during his whole term had to con- 
tend with the difficulties arising therefrom. During 
this period of trouble, Ebenezer sustained a loss 
of one hundred and ten white members. During 
the same time there was a gain of seventeen col- 
ored members. Time healed the wounds made by 
the division, and restored its strength to the old 
church In a few years the membership began 
again to increase, and has since made a steady 
improvement. 

This church was not visibly affected by the 
troubles that arose over the question of slavery. 
The division above mentioned was the only one 
that has occurred during its history. There has 



6o 



Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



not always been harmony. Sometimes differences 
have arisen that have led to painful collisions of 
spirit. The office-bearers have not always agreed 
concerning plans aud policies, and the peace of 
the church has been interrupted, but the body 
has not been seriously rent. The spirit of peace 
and unity has always asserted itself, however, 
and rallied the forces to their legitimate work of 
extending the kingdom of God. For years this 
congregation has had no disturbance of its quiet. 
The atmosphere it has breathed has been so healthy 
and its exercise in good works so constant that 
disturbing causes have been warded off, and it has 
been preserved from their invasion. 

Methodism is a revival. It has made its largest 
growth through special efforts, and it will be a 
serious mistake — a departure from methods known 
to be the most successful — should we come to 
depend upon ordinary agencies. Ebenezer was the 
scene of many revivals. Not every year witnessed 
extraordinary displays of divine power at the pro- 
tracted meeting, but many of them did. Not eveiy 
preacher was a revivalist, but many of them were 
conspicuously so. 

In 1 813, while the country was passing through 
the excitement of war, the church was visited by 
a glorious revival, and nearly one hundred persons 
were added to the membership. It was the second 
year of the first pastorate of Andrew Hemphill. 
In 1 81 6, under the ministry of Samuel Montgomery, 
the charge was again visited with a revival that 
resulted in fifty-two additions to the church. The 
statistics of the period show that the revival spirit 



Ebenezer. 



6 1 



prevailed in the church from year to year. But 
the most extended work of grace occurring in any 
single year in the history of the church belongs to 
the year 1822. Yelverton T. Peyton was pastor. 
The net gain in membership was three hundred 
and twenty-nine — an increase of more than one 
hundred and twenty-four per cent. The community 
was greatly moved. The interest spread through- 
out the city. Vast crowds attended. The people 
came from every direction, and as far away as 
Georgetown. There were remarkable displays of 
Gospel power. Mr. Peyton was abundant in labors. 
Mrs. Margaret A. Cahoon, now of Cleveland, Ohio, 
was converted at that meeting, and describes him 
as ''a model, earnest, persuasive, and illuminating 
Gospel preacher." The church has felt the im- 
pulse of that work of grace until this day. There 
was also a far-reaching revival under the ministry 
of Thomas Myers, whose term extended through 
1 85 1 and 1852. Thus sowing and reaping con- 
tinued year by year. 

Mention has already been made of some of 
the members of the church of that period. Others 
are to be named. 

Thomas Wheat was a blacksmith and also a 
teacher. He was the father of John T. Wheat, a 
clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal Church, who 
died recently, aged ninety-one years. 

One of the most respected members of Eben- 
ezer w r as Daniel Page. He was born of Roman 
Catholic parents. In early life he abjured the 
errors of that system, and became a Methodist. 
He was a man of remarkable sweetness of dispo- 



62 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



sition, of deep spirituality, and, having learned to 
rule his own spirit, was "greater than he that 
taketh a city." His wife, Elizabeth E. Page, be- 
longed to one of the oldest Methodist families of 
the city — the Wheats, — a woman of strong char- 
acteristics, of genuine and pronounced piety, and 
great hospitality. Quarterly meetings found her 
house crowded with visitors, who were entertained 
as if she were aware that the} 7 were angels. She 
was an intimate friend of Beverly Waugh, who, in 
his youthful ministry, was her pastor. She used to 
tell her friends, with evident relish, that she made 
the future bishop's wedding pantaloons. This godly 
couple, like Abraham, commanded their household 
to keep the way of the Lord. Mrs. Miranda Clubb, 
now of Wesley Chapel, a teacher in Ebenezer Sun- 
day-school in 1827 ; Mrs. Rebecca H. Willson ; Mrs. 
Milburn, mother of Page Milburn, of the Baltimore 
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; 
and Yelverton P. Page were their children, and all 
were members of the old church. 

James Friend kept a baker establishment on 
Eleventh Street, near K Street S. E. His home 
was the boarding-place of the preachers for many 
years. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Speiden was "a pillar" in the 
church of God. She was the only woman in the 
congregation for years that prayed in public. 

J. D. Boteler was one of the best members the 
church ever had. A class-leader in 1823, he con- 
tinued for many years to "adorn the doctrine of 
God our Saviour in all things." Removing to 
Wesley Chapel for a time, he was one of its first 



Ebenezer. 



63 



members, and laid the first bricks in the construc- 
tion of that church. He died the death of the 
righteous. 

Elizabeth Boteler was his worthy companion. 
Her pilgrimage was lengthened far beyond four- 
score years. The most serene piety beautified her 
character. The years of suffering with which her 
life closed did not awaken a single rebellious 
thought; but she always ' ' endured as seeing Him 
who is invisible." 

Melinda Marche early gave herself to the ser- 
vice of God. A pattern of piety to her family, she 
saw them brought to Christ. Three generations of 
her children are now members of this church. 

Margaret Burdine manifested "the patience of 
hope" in her long and useful life. When she died 
in 1870, her connection with the church had cov- 
ered almost its entire history. She joined the 
church at Greenleaf 's Point ; removed with the 
congregation to the Tobacco House ; saw the 
growth of the church that made the building of 
Ebenezer necessary; worshiped in that place during 
the whole period of its existence ; saw it super- 
seded by the present church ; and for twelve years 
worshiped therein. She maintained a primitive 
simplicity of dress and habit to the end. 

Israel Little was an influential member of that 
period. 

Thomas Havenner, well known throughout the 
city, was an official member at the time now being 
reviewed. He was the paternal grandfather of 
Frank H. Havenner, of the Baltimore Conference, 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 



64 Methodism i?i Washington, D. C. 



Nathaneal Brady was a local preacher, also a 
trustee. 

George Adams held official positions for a long 
time. 

Patrick Kain and his wife are remembered as 
a devoted Christian couple. 

These names are not all that are worthy of 
mention. But definite knowledge has been ob- 
tained concerning them, while the remoteness of 
the time made it impossible to get material for 
sketches of the rest. No doubt, records as worthy 
of preservation as those given have been lost. 

The preachers of those days were strict dis- 
ciplinarians. Beverly Waugh expelled eighteen 
members from the church in one year. Attend- 
ance upon class was strictly demanded. Absence 
three times without sufficient cause resulted in 
being read out of church. Any approach to world- 
liness was sternly condemned, sometimes severely 
punished. Discipline was not always wisely ad- 
ministered. Some persons were once deprived of 
membership for being on a steamboat where there 
was a band of music, though there was no danc- 
ing. Some of them remained out of the church for 
years, and were at last reinstated on the ground 
that the cause of expulsion was not sufficient. 

The love-feasts were attended by those only 
who, having attended class, were entitled to tickets 
of admission, or who, not being members of the 
church, had obtained written permission from the 
pastor. 

Dress was a matter of regulation. Flowers 
and feathers would have seemed as .much out of 



Ebenezer. 



65 



place on a Methodist in those early days as the 
coat of a clown would now. With what now seem 
to be unnecessary restrictions and useless regula- 
tions, they were, nevertheless, a righteous genera- 
tion, and nobly did their part in the establishment 
and growth of the church. 

The colored members formed a considerable 
part of the congregation in those days. They occu- 
pied the galleries, and entered heartily into all the 
services. Their lusty and musical voices greatly 
swelled the volume of praise, and their fervent 
prayers added fuel to the fires of devotion. Their 
quaint and generally apt responses showed how 
the truth had awakend their emotions, while some- 
times with protracted shoutings they evinced an 
overmastering joy. Sometimes, too, their swaying 
bodies and upturned faces made a wierd accompa- 
niment to the more decorous worship of the w T hites, 
and their leaping suggested the danger of a descent 
upon the heads of those who were on the lower 
floor. 

The station had a number of classes composed 
entirely of colored members. In 1825 the colored 
membership numbered two hundred. In the twenty 
years preceeding, it had increased eight hundred 
per cent., while the white membership had in- 
creased a little more than six hundred per cent. 

For a number of years, the station had two 
pastors, one of whom devoted his time to the col- 
ored people, and their enthusiastic appreciation of 
his services often made his ministry an ovation. 
At length another church was built, and the col- 
ored members found themselves in a home of their 



66 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 

own, which was named Ebenezer, after the mother 
church. It is now a flourishing charge in the 
Washington Conference. Much of the fervor of 
the olden times yet remains, though modern ideas 
have so far leavened the congregation as to de- 
stroy the primitive simplicity. It has kept in the 
current of progress, and now occupies a command- 
ing place among the churches of the Conference. 
More will be said of it in another place. 



CHAPTER VI. 



FOURTH - STREET. 



"Thou, too, O Church! zvhich here we see, 
No easy task hath builded thee. 
Long worked the head and toiled the hand, 
Ere stood thy stones as now they stand." — Breviary. 



The permanent establishment of any institution 
that has even a philanthropic basis is cause for 
congratulation. How much more so when the in- 
stitution represents the highest conceptions known 
to man, and in the accomplishment of its legitimate 
work is "a city set upon a hill that cannot be hid," 
directing the feet of the heavenward traveler ! 

A Methodist church stands for a conquering 
theology, for a joyous faith, for a soul-elevating 
purpose, and so, if true to itself, is certain to be a 
beneficent factor in the life of any community. 
This may be affirmed of the Fourth-Street Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. The blessing it has been 
to the part of the city in which it is located is in- 
calculable. Its influence is upon hundreds of the 
homes, its activities engage many of the people, 



68 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



and its charities relieve much of the want of the 
district about it. And besides this, many who were 
reared upon its bosom, finding themselves located 
in other charges, far and near, have carried its 
influence thither, and so it is a constantly-widening 
circle. Its age and opportunity have given it great 
advantages, and it has been faithful thereto. 

The pursuit of this narrative does not impose 
upon us the melancholy task of recording the 
decadence of the church, but the pleasant duty 
of exhibiting its continued progress. From the 
humble society at the Point, with its few members, 
to the present strong church, with its increasing 
hundreds of worshipers, is an advance that resulted 
from a wisdom and zealous industry such as we 
had reason to expect from the known former char- 
acter of the church. It stands a witness to the 
fidelity with which our fathers executed their trust. 

An idea of the growth this church has made 
may be had in the fact that it has been compelled 
to seek better accommodations no less than three 
times. Every such change in its history was a ne- 
cessity arising from its progress. And the changes 
have been wisely made. 

The foresight which selected the present loca- 
tion is amply vindicated in the fact that, after 
eighty-one years, it is better than ever adapted to 
its purposes. The present spacious edifice is the 
second that has occupied the same site. The first 
church, whose history has been given in the pre- 
ceding chapter, stood for forty-six years the sole 
representative of Episcopal Methodism in Southeast 
Washington. Becoming unsuited to the uses and 



Fourth- Street. 



6 9 



needs of the congregation, it was at length removed 
and a new one built. This occurred during the 
ministry of W. H. Chapman, who was pastor in 
1857-58.' 

With what tender feelings must the people 
have gathered to attend the final services in "Old 
Ebenezer." What scenes had been enacted within 
its walls ! What a glorious history it had. What 
multitudes had been converted at it altars ! What 
heavenly visions had been vouchsafed to the wait- 
ing multitudes as they heard the words of life from 
the lips of the holy men who filled the pulpit ! 
For considerably longer than a generation, child- 
hood had there been consecrated to God in bap- 
tism. From the marriages celebrated in that holy 
place have sprung many of the families now com- 
posing the membership of the church. From its 
communion a host ascended to the heavenly home 
during the term mentioned. What memories, then, 
must have stirred the emotions of the worshipers, 
as they sang and prayed and listened for the last 
time in so endeared a place. 

The sermon at eleven o'clock on that Sunday 
morning was preached by Beverly Waugh, who, 
when a very young man, had been the pastor under 
whose ministry the church was built; who, in 1817, 
had been pastor a second time ; and who now was 
the venerable and honored senior bishop of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and within a few 
months of his decease. 

At three o'clock in the afternoon a love-feast 
was held. With hearts touched by the remem- 
brance of divine goodness in the blessings bestowed 



70 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



at the love-feasts of the past, how the fathers and 
mothers of this Israel, with shouts and tears, bore 
their heartfelt testimonies. 

At the evening service, B. Newton Brown was 
the preacher. Pastor of the church in 1837, he 
was one of its best remembered and cherished 
friends. 

After months of labor the stately form of the 
present church rose upon the place consecrated by 
the presence for so many years of the old church. 
The new building was not yet finished when 
services were first held in it. The inconvenience 
and expense of the temporary accommodations that 
had been provided for the congregation made it 
desirable to occupy the church as soon as possible. 
So that, when the basement was ready for use, it 
was solemnly dedicated to the worship of Almighty 
God by Bishop Osmon C. Baker. The other part 
of the church was not completed for some time. 

The building cost ten thousand dollars. The 
task of raising this sum was very great ; for, it 
will be remembered, that 1857 was the date of 
such a financial crisis that all the banks of the 
Union, from the Gulf of Mexico to the borders of 
Canada, stopped payments. Yet, seven thousand 
dollars were raised. The pastor diligently can- 
vassed the whole city and secured many subscrip- 
tions. The remainder was raised in the years 
succeeding. 

The Trustees of the station were S. A. H. 
Marks, secretary and treasurer of the Board ; John 
Clapham, James McCathran, Enos Berkley, George 
R. Ruff, James Cull, John H. Peake. The Build- 



Fourth- Street. 



71 



ing Committee consisted of S. A. H. Marks, John 
Ciapham, Yelverton P. Page, John E. Bates, and 
John H. Peake. 

Nearly a year was occupied in the erection of 
the church. Until the basement was ready for 
occupancy the congregation worshiped at the Odd- 
Fellows' Hall, on Eighth Street S. E. 

When all was complete, the dedicatory services 
were conducted by Bishop Edward R. Ames, who 
preached at eleven a. m. ; W. R. Strickland, D. D., 
of New York, preached at three p. m. ; and James 
Sewell, of the Baltimore Conference, at night. 

The charge was thus housed in a building in 
every way suited to its needs. At this time the 
name of the station was changed from Ebenezer to 
East Washington. The church is seventy-four feet 
six inches by fifty-five feet nine inches ; has an au- 
ditorium that seats eight hundred and fifty people. 
The basement has accommodations for a large 
school. There is a separate room for the infant- 
school, and one for the library ; also, two class- 
rooms. The lot on which it stands is large enough 
to leave sufficient space all around for the free cir- 
culation of air and to provide for ample lighting. 

The subsequent development of the church 
and the great improvement of the neighborhood 
leave no room to question the wisdom of the 
movement that resulted in the erection of the 
church in this place. In less than three years 
from the time of the dedication of the new church 
the Civil War broke out. For many years a large 
number of the members of Fourth-Street Church 
have been employed by the General Government 



72 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



in the Navy Yard and in the various Departments. 
Many of these enlisted in the military and naval 
service during the war, and some of them were 
sent to the field. But in the case of those who 
were employed at the Navy Yard, their skill in 
the manufacture of the munitions of war was con- 
sidered, by the Secretary of War, to be equal to 
any service they might render in the field, and 
they were detailed to that duty, and continued 
therein till the end of their term. In these ways 
this church did its part towards the suppression of 
the Rebellion. 

In the Summer of 1862 the condition of affairs 
at Washington was threatening. The successes of 
Lee had opened the way for a Confederate attack 
upon the Capital. It had not been in such peril 
since the war began. The fortifications of the city 
had been made a refuge for the shattered remains 
of the Union forces. Without was a victorious 
army ; within were broken battalions and no com- 
petent leadership. The place was the scene of the 
greatest excitement. To add to the general dis- 
stress, great numbers of wounded soldiers were 
arriving from the different battle-fields, and the 
Government was without suitable hospital accom- 
modations for them. Hence, such buildings as 
could be made ready for hospital uses had to be 
secured. 

Among those chosen was the Fourth-Street 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Being large and well 
located, it soon became a center of activities for 
this branch of the service. Daily the newly- 
wounded arrived, and daily the dead were carried 



Fourth- Street. 



73 



away. The place that had but lately resounded 
with the voice of prayer and praise now echoed to 
the moans of anguish of the suffering and to the 
hurried prayer of the dying. Here many a patriot 
completed his sacrifice by yielding up his life for 
his country. Here tender farewells were spoken 
which will not be forgotten till the glorious greet- 
ings of the skies shall take their places. Here, 
too, the lonely heart, longing for a vision of fa- 
miliar faces before its departure, was soothed by 
the soft hand and kind word of ministering charity. 
And here visions of glory came to men who lin- 
gered long enough afterward to tell the watchers 
of them, and then departed to share them. One 
of the soldiers, a few minutes before his death, 
was heard to exclaim with a loud voice, "Here!" 
Being aroused, he said, "Why did you call me 
back? I was answering the roll-call in heaven.'' 
During the time the church was a hospital, 
the congregation worshiped in several places. For 
a time Odd-Fellows' Hall, on Eighth Street, in 
w r hich they had worshiped while the church was 
being built, was again used. The congregation of 
Christ Protestant Episcopal Church, on G Street 
S. E., in a truly fraternal spirit, offered it to the 
Fourth-Street congregation for Sunday evening ser- 
vices, and for some time they worshiped in that 
place. Other churches of the neighborhood made 
a similar offer. The last place where the Method- 
ists were thus sheltered during this trying period 
was in a frame chapel erected on E Street, between 
Sixth and Seventh Streets S. E., on a lot furnished 
for the purpose by Mr. S. A. H. Marks. This 



74 



Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



building furnished accommodations for all depart- 
ments of church work. Preaching services, prayer- 
meetings, class-meetings, and Sunday-school were 
all held in this chapel until the Government gave 
up the church, when, after the necessary refurnish- 
ing, the congregation returned to its home. They 
were afterward indemnified by the Government for 
the damage done to the building and furniture 
while used for hospital purposes. 

A gracious revival occurred in the frame 
chapel. There were many conversions and a great 
quickening of the chnrch. Thomas H. W. Monroe 
was the pastor during all this period. There has 
been no interruption of the services since that time, 
except for repairs, which have taken place several 
times. 

In July, 1865, the pastor, Henry Sipes, died in 
great triumph. Entering upon his pastorate in 
March, 1864, he had already achieved a success, 
w T hen a little more than a year later he was stricken 
down by disease. He was greatly beloved by his 
people. His hold upon the community was re- 
markable. Large congregations attended his min- 
istry, and his preaching was "with the demonstra- 
tion of the Spirit and with power." During his 
illness he was tenderly cared for by the church, 
and they have not yet ceased to mourn his death. 
It was a great bereavement. He was succeeded 
by George Y. Leech, who removed from Waugh 
Chapel, and who thus began the first of the two 
pastorates he has had at Fourth-Street. 

The church was called East Washington until 
1870, when, at the suggestion of the pastor, W. T. 



Fourth- Street. 



75 



D. Clemm, the name was again changed, and since 
that time it has been known as Fourth-Street. 

In 1878 the shadows of sorrow again fell upon 
the home of the pastor. Mrs. Maggie Reid, the 
pastor's wife, had come to the charge in delicate 
health. A disease, accompanied often by intense 
suffering, had been for a considerable time shat- 
tering her powers; yet she performed, as well as 
she could, the duties of her position. At length, 
after great pain she was released, December 22. 
Her death was one of great peace. Her sunny 
disposition, her deep and pronounced piety, and her 
interest in the calise of God gained her a warm 
place in the affections of the church, and her death 
was deeply lamented. 

This church has always entered heartily into 
any plan that might be proposed for the better 
expression of the spirit of charity, or the wider 
diffusion of Christian principles ; and so, as the 
institutions that adorn the city, that have grown 
out of the thought and love of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, have been projected, the mem- 
bers of Fourth-Street Station have been among 
the most ardent advocates of their establishment, 
and when established, among their most liberal 
and devoted supporters. 

The founding of a Deaconess Home in Wash- 
ington, by the Woman's Home Missionary Society 
of our Church, was a movement to which this 
station gave a ready support. When the need of 
providing an asylum for aged and indigent mem- 
bers of our Church cried aloud through the voice 
of those who had the courage and faith to attempt 



j 6 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 

the task, Fourth-Street Church was one of the 
first to respond. Its representatives on the board 
of managers were among the most active in its 
organization, and are now among the most en- 
thusiastic in its support. The first managers ap- 
pointed from this church were Mrs. Emily Moffatt, 
Mrs. Elizabeth Dunn, Mrs. Alma Davis, Mrs. Flor- 
ence Hill, Mrs. Rachel Belt, Mrs. Esther Meeker, 
and Mrs. Matilda Ferguson, who was secretary of 
the board for three years. Mrs. Elizabeth Bohannon 
was subsequently added to the board. 

The plan conceived and projected by Bishop 
Hurst, to found and endow the American Uni- 
versity at the National Capital, meets the hearty 
support of the church, and already a liberal sub- 
scription has been paid thereto. 

Some of the ladies of this congregation are 
very active in the interest of "The Hope and 
Help Mission," an institution for the rescue of 
fallen women. The Woman's Christian Temperance 
Union here has many members. The Central Union 
Mission, an unsectarian evangelistic agency of the 
city, finds efficient assistance in the co-operation 
of our people, while an official member of Fourth- 
Street — George W. Havell — is a member of the 
board of directors of that institution. Charitable 
and rescue work always finds friends in this charge. 

For the first fifty years of its existence the 
church owned no parsonage. The earliest pastors 
boarded with the members. Mr. James Friend's 
house was, in this way, the home of the pastor for 
many years. Later the preachers lived in rented 
houses, located in various parts of the southeastern 



Fourth- Street. 



77 



section of the city, sometimes near and sometimes 
more remote from the church. 

At length, it was determined that a parsonage 
should be built. On November 4, 1851, during the 
pastorate of Thomas Myers, Lot 14, Square 904, 
located on Seventh Street, near G Street S. E., was 
purchased — the sum of two hundred and twelve 
dollars being paid for it. The house built upon 
this site was a frame structure, large and con- 
venient, centrally located as to the residences of 
the members, but four blocks away from the church. 
Robert M. Lipscomb was the first preacher to oc- 
cupy this parsonage. This provision for the com- 
fort of the pastor was a very generous response to 
the demand of the hour, and was in keeping with 
the progressive spirit of the station. Here the 
preachers lived for thirty-three years, receiving, all 
that time, the marked attentions of an appreciative 
people. 

Time, the improvements made in the neighbor- 
hood, and the generous spirit of the congregation 
led to the projection of a new and better parsonage. 
The lot on the south side of the church being for 
sale, it was bought, in August, 1885, through the 
joint efforts of the Ladies' Mite Society and the 
Young People's Union, at a cost of six hundred 
dollars, and presented to the board of trustees. A 
handsome and spacious parsonage was immediately 
built thereon. It is of bricks, and has all the 
modern improvements. William J. Palmer, a mem- 
ber of the station, was the architect. The building 
committee consisted of the pastor, M. F. B. Rice, 
and James B. Davis, Robert W. Dunn, F. A. Belt, 



78 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



and William Carico, members of the board of 
trustees. 

In May, 1886, the pastor vacated the old par- 
sonage, which was sold, and took possession of the 
new. With so fine a parsonage and so thoroughly 
efficient a Mite Society, Fourth-Street Station pre- 
sents its pastor with the comforts of a home not 
excelled in any charge in the city. 

Of this building committee, James B. Davis 
has since died. On Monday, April 8, 1889, he 
suddenly departed this life. His position and char- 
acter gave him prominence in the community and 
church. He served the general government for 
many years as Master of the Ordnance Department 
at the Washington Navy Yard, and such was his 
intelligent and faithful discharge of the duties of 
the position that he was considered one of the 
government's most efficient officers. His character 
was beautiful in its purity and strength. Childlike 
in spirit, he daily sat at the feet of Jesus. He was 
an example to believers. His place in the ser- 
vices of the sanctuary was never vacant except 
from compulsion. On the day before his death he 
was at church four times. He was a teacher in 
the Sunday-school, and also its treasurer. 

The loving care of this people for its pastor 
was further shown when a Summer-home was pro- 
vided. In 1879 land was purchased at Washington 
Grove, a Summer resort, twenty miles from the city, 
on the Metropolitan Branch, Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad, and a cosy cottage built thereon. The 
enterprise was conceived and consummated by the 
Mite Society. The regular income of the society 



Fourth- Street, 



19 



was not drawn upon for the purpose, but the whole 
amount needed was raised by special efforts. The 
building is entirely out of debt. It was enlarged 
and improved in 1889, and further improved in 
1890. 

The efforts of Fourth-Street Church to extend 
Methodism in other parts of Washington will be 
recited in another chapter ; also, the numerous 
agencies existing in that charge, organized for the 
prosecution of benevolent and evangelistic pur- 
poses. The history of the older churches of a 
city has been repeated in this. It has been drawn 
upon for the establishment of other stations. The 
extension of the city has resulted in the removal, 
from year to year, of many valuable members from 
this venerable church ; and it is probable that on 
the roll of every Methodist Episcopal church of 
the city, or in their congregations, may be found 
persons who have been at some time identified 
with it ; while from marriages and other causes 
many have gone into other communions. 

Yet Fourth-Street Church has been saved the 
isolation and decadence that so commonly mark 
churches of its class. At no time in its history 
has it had such an equipment for service in pro- 
moting the kingdom of God, nor so many hands 
ready for duty. It has but to continue its present 
progressive policy to insure it, for the future, a 
position of increasing and commanding influence. 

The following are the statistics of membership, 
property, and benevolences reported at the last 
session of the Conference, held March, 1892 : Pro- 
bationers, 61 ; full members, 424 ; local preachers, 



So Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



4; baptisms, 34; churches, 2; probable value, $29,- 
000.00 ; 1 parsonage, probable value $9,000.00 ; 
paid for Missions, $430.00; for Church Extension, 
$22.00; for Freedtnan's Aid and Southern Educa- 
tional Society, $20.00 ; for Woman's Foreign Mis- 
sionary Society, $140.00; for Woman's Home Mis- 
sionary Society, $39.00; for Conference Claimants, 
$76.00; for Children's Day Educational Fund, $24- 
.00; for Sustentation, $42.00; for General Confer- 
ence expenses, $15.00. Besides these contributions 
the church gives liberally, through the stewards, 
to those of its members who require temporal 
relief ; while, by private agencies, it extends its 
charity to all the needy, as far as possible. 

The loss of the church's records for a number 
of years makes it impossible to state accurately the 
number of deaths of members of this church that 
has occurred during its history ; but a careful 
estimate makes it not less than the present mem- 
bership. Making the average of the past twenty- 
five years the basis of calculation, it would be 
somewhat larger than even that. These saints of 
the Most High fought the good fight, finished 
their courses, and kept the faith, and, dying well, 
have gone to the rewards of the faithful. Many 
of them were obscure, and no person now remains 
in the station who can recall them ; others were 
honored by their brethren with official positions, 
and by their wisdom helped to shape the destiny 
of the church. Among them also were "honorable 
women" not a few 7 , whose record of living and 
doing forms a precious part of the church's inher- 
itance. Their example excites to holy diligence 



Fourth- Street. 



81 



and sacrifice. They are not gone from the affec- 
tion and memory of the church, nor from the reach 
of its sanctified imagination ; for it sees them in 
the home of the blessed, with the angels of God 
and with God. 

The people of God are a marching host, whose 
front ranks are disappearing within the gates of 
the "city that hath foundations, whose builder and 
maker is God," while it is daily being lengthened 
by those who are saved out of the world. This 
church has long had representatives among "the 
spirits of just men made perfect." Its front ranks 
have long since entered the gates of the city, and 
no year passes but some disappear within ; but the 
heavenward-pressing column grows, and will, until 
the work of saving men is done, *and the end has 
come, or, the mission of this church has been ful- 
filled. 

Of the many pastors the charge has had, only 
a few remain among the living, and they rejoice 
in being permitted to stand in the godly succes- 
sion. In that long line were heroes, yet they 
never dreamed of doing anything heroic. They 
never coveted "the empty niches in the temple of 
fame"; yet the Church at large gladly honored 
them while alive, and cherishes their memory now 
that they are dead. They pursued "the trivial 
round, the common task"; but their work has left 
an enduring mark upon the times, and they must 
be counted when we enumerate the factors which, 
by the help of God, have made our Methodism the 
world-wonder that it is. 

We who now labor under such favorable con- 



82 



Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



ditions must not forget that "other men labored, 
and we are entered into their labors." The found- 
ations were all laid when we came to the task of 
building. Our hands were not the first to warm 
the handles of the tools by which the stones were 
shaped and the courses laid. Other hands had 
plied them, and proved their fitness for the task. 
The time for experiment was gone. Methods that 
had been the instruments of success were ready for 
our use. We thank God for our inheritance. The 
dead roll of the pastors of this station has been 
lengthened since this volume has been in prepara- 
tion. 

On Sunday, May 15, 1892, the church was sud- 
denly bereaved of its pastor, Rev. W. F. Speake. 
Appointed to the charge at the last session of the 
Conference, he had begun, with characteristic vigor, 
to pursue the policy he had outlined for his pas- 
torate. Many years of ministerial work had given 
him an experience that prepared him for success. 
His preaching during his short pastorate was with a 
plainness and cogency calculated to awaken thought, 
and his pastoral service was abundant and faithful. 
His ministry had always been successful, and prom- 
ised to be so here. He gave much attention to 
the Sunday-school work, and it was in the school 
that he rendered his last service to the charge. 

For years he had had a painful and, at times, 
an alarming form of heart-disease, which had given 
his family and friends great solicitude about his 
condition. The week previous to his death was 
one of suffering from what was pronounced rheu- 
matism. Sleepless nights and days of labor were 



Fourth- Street. 



83 



too much for his enervated system, and the fatal 
attack ensued. His death, though startling, was 
such as befitted his active life. He literally ''ceased 
at once to work and live," — dying at his post, as 
he had often wished he might. After a night of 
suffering, he came early to the Sunday-school. Re- 
viewing the lesson, at the request of the superin- 
tendent, he spoke of the immortality of the soul 
and the resurrection of the body, announcing his 
belief that his body (placing his hand upon his 
breast, and quoting Philippians iii. 21,) would live 
forever. Almost immediately after these utterances 
he became sick, and, leaving the school-room, went 
to the vestibule, expecting the relief that had come 
often before. Growing rapidly worse, he was taken 
to the parsonage by his wife and daughter, assisted 
by the sexton. Before the doctors could reach him 
he was dead. The painful intelligence of their be- 
reavement was announced to the assembled con- 
gregation by Mr. George R. Cook, recording steward 
of the station. 

Funeral services were held at the church on 
Tuesday, at one p. m. Rev. Dr. H. R. Naylor, 
Presiding Elder, had charge of the exercises. He 
was assisted by Revs. J. R. Wheeler, A. E. Gibson, 
J. H. M. Lemon, and James McLaren. 

The interment took place at Greenmount Ceme- 
tery, Baltimore, at five p. m. 

Resolutions of sympathy were passed by the 
Preach ers' Meetings of Baltimore and Washington, 
and also by several of the churches. 

Bishop Foster, at the unanimous request of the 
official board of the station, and with the consent 



Methodism in Washington, D* C. 



of the presiding elder, appointed W. J. Thompson, 
stationed at Walkersville, Md., to the vacant pas- 
torate. He had formerly served the charge in an 
emergency, and it was felt that the important in- 
terests involved could be committed to his hands. 




CHAPTER VII. 



SUNDAY-SCHO O LS. 



" Friendly the teacher stood, like an angel of light, there among them.'" 

— Longfellow. 



Fourth-Street Schooe. 

Methodism has been identified with the Sun- 
day-school movement from its beginning. The 
precept and example of the Divine Teacher in 
regard to the religious instruction of children were 
so clear that, when the Sunday-school idea began 
to project itself upon the mind of the Church, 
Methodism saw an opportunity and agency for the 
salvation of mankind that was unequaled. 

John Wesley had a very important connection 
with the first known Sunday-school of modern 
times. Miss Hannah Ball, who in 1769 gathered 
the children of the poor and neglected, and taught 
them on Saturday and Sunday, reported her work 
to John Wesley. And when, in 1781, Robert Raikes 
asked the question, ''What shall be done for the 
neglected street children of Gloucester?" it was a 



86 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



young Methodist woman — a Miss Cook, afterwards 
the wife of that extraordinary Methodist preacher, 
Rev. Samuel Bradburn — who replied, "Let us teach 
them to read, and take them to church," and who 
with Raikes conducted the first company of chil- 
dren to church, exposed to the derision of the 
multitude as they passed. 

The Methodist Bishop Asbury organized per- 
haps the earliest Sunday-school of America, at the 
house of Thomas Crenshaw, in Hanover County, 
Ya., in 17S6. The discipline of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, at that early period of our his- 
tory, directed attention to the children, and issued 
a mandatory rule concerning their instruction ; and 
a number of schools were organized, among them 
the one just mentioned. 

The growth of the institution in America was 
slow at first, and many years were covered by the 
initial and formative period. It was not until 1825 
that the Sunday-school cause came prominently 
before the American public. At that time the ne- 
cessity for concerted action became apparent, and 
societies for the promotion of Sunday-school work 
began to spring up. The Sunday-school Union of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 
1827, having for its aim "to encourage the forma- 
tion of schools in poorer places and amidst sparse 
population." Since then the growth of Sunday- 
schools in our Church has been phenomenal. 

It was in this period that the Fourth-Street 
Sunday-school was organized. In the Spring of 
1 819 a small school was started under the super- 
vision of this station. This was the first attempt 



Sunday-sclwols. 



87 



at the establishment of the institution east of the 
Capitol. 

The Methodist Sunday-school of Georgetown 
was begun the same year, and has continued in 
existence ever since. It was commenced by some 
zealous friends of youth on their own responsibility, 
and was not taken under the official patronage of 
the church until May, 1822. 

The first Sunday-school organized in Washing- 
ton was not so successful as that at Georgetown. 
It lived but a short time. We do not know who 
were the promoters of this enterprise ; but it lacked 
efficient management, for it died from the disorder 
and confusion permitted during its sessions. But 
the idea had taken hold on the public mind, and 
there were those who believed in its utility and 
power. 

Soon after the failure just recorded, another 
Sunday-school was established in the room under 
the Masonic Hall, by a gentleman named Winn. 
He was a man of much force of character, and 
possessed executive ability of a good order. This 
school was successful and flourished for a consid- 
erable time. It was not disorder nor inattention 
that interfered with the development of this school, 
but a difference in the religious beliefs of its workers 
and constituency. Mr. Winn was a Presbyterian 
and honestly taught what he believed. Being the 
only school, it was patronized by persons of other 
creeds than his, and dissatisfaction ensued over his 
sectarian teaching. The Methodist people, holding 
to the salvation of all who believe in Jesus Christ, 
were not pleased that their children were taught 



88 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



the Calvinistic doctrines of election and reproba- 
tion ; and so, at length, there arose differences 
which culminated in the organization of a school 
in which the doctrines of Methodism were distinct- 
ively taught. 

In the Spring of 1827 a school was organized 
at Ebenezer Church which has continued until the 
present. The school organized by Mr. Winn con- 
tinued to meet until his death, which occurred not 
long after this. When it was disbanded many of 
the scholars became members of the Ebenezer 
school. 

About this time Mrs. John A. Chambers, a 
woman of great zeal and usefulness, organized a 
Sunday-school in the rope -walk at Greenleaf's 
Point, and when that at Ebenezer was begun, trans- 
ferred it to the church, and the two schools be- 
came one — Mrs. Chambers becoming a teacher. 
Some of the scholars she brought with her after- 
wards became prominent and useful members of 
the church. 

This school has been fortunate in having de- 
voted and vigorous officers. Samuel S. Briggs, 
William S. Walker, Lewis A. Newman, and James 
Crandell are mentioned among those upon whom 
fell the task of reorganizing and conducting it. 

Samuel S. Briggs was the first superintendent. 
He was also an exhorter, and stood high in the 
esteem of the church. He continued in office until 
his removal to Baltimore made a vacancy. 

Lewis A. Newman was the second superin- 
tendent, and held the office for a term or more, 
and was succeeded by William S. Walker. He was 



Sunday -schools. 



89 



also a class-leader. After the * expiration of his 
term as superintendent he became the librarian of 
the school, and while faithfully discharging the 
duties of that office, died, July 1, 1844. His death 
was a great bereavement to the school, and a 
series of resolutions was passed, expressing their 
sorrow and sympathy, and setting forth his char- 
acter and work. 

William S. Lowe was also superintendent about 
this time. He was a man of great solemnity of 
appearance and behavior. He kept eternal things 
constantly before the mind of the children. It is 
said that his hymns and prayers and addresses were 
all calculated to inspire the mind with a sense of 
approaching doom. He had many eccentricities of 
manner that made him a unique personality, and 
held such severe opinions on some questions as to 
interfere with his efficiency. He once turned a 
number of young men out of the school because 
they refused to become teachers. His zeal outran 
his wisdom. 

In the early part of the year 1834 James 
Crandell was elected superintendent, and continued 
in the office until February 22, 1852. He was a 
most competent and successful officer. During his 
long term of service the school enjoyed much 
prosperity. Revival services were marked and fre- 
quent. The church was contiuually strengthened 
by accessions from the conversions occurring in 
the Sunday-school. 

At this time a custom was adopted which con- 
tinued for years afterward, and added much inter- 
est to the school. On holidays and picnic days 



9 o 



Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



the various schools were accustomed to meet at 
the grounds of the Capitol or Smithsonian Insti- 
tute — both places were used for the purpose — and 
forming a line, headed by the superintendents and 
accompanied by the teachers, marched through the 
streets, with music and banners. Ebenezer School, 
being the oldest, was given a place at the head of 
the procession. The day would end with the chil- 
dren being treated to refreshments. This school 
still receives benefit from this custom, in one 
respect at least. Among those who admired this 
periodical display of the strength of the school was 
a man of wealth, named Matthew Wright, who 
often addressed words of encouragement to the 
children ; and such was his endorsement of the 
purposes and administration of the school that, at 
his death it was discovered, he had bequeathed to 
it a sum of money sufficient to produce an annual 
income of sixty dollars, which the school still re- 
ceives. 

Up to this time the school had been meeting 
in the church. This was found to be inconvenient 
as well for the congregation as the school, and as 
additional land had been purchased, the trustees 
erected a chapel, on the south side of the church, 
for school purposes. The building was long and 
narrow, and but one story high. The pulpit was 
on the south side of the room. There was one 
aisle, and two rows of benches. Over one of the 
doors was a sign bearing in large letters the words 
of Pope: "Order is Heaven's first law." With 
the fate of the first Sunday-school before them, 
they were warned of the danger of disorder, and 



Sunday-schools. 



ox 



by this means hoped to prevent its occurrence. 
This chapel was occupied by the school until it 
was removed, in 1858, into the present church. 

Thomas Osmond Summers was converted in 
the school during the superintendency of James 
Crandell. He was a shoemaker by trade and of 
infidel tendencies. He entered the Baltimore Con- 
ference in 1835, united with the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church South at its organization, and rose 
to great distinction. He was general editor of the 
books and of several of the papers and the Quar- 
terly Reviezv of his Church. He was a very pro- 
lific author, was dean of the theological faculty of 
Vanderbilt University, was elected secretary of the 
General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church South in 1845, ar] d continued, in that office 
until his death, which occurred at Nashville, Ten- 
nessee, on Friday, May 5, 1882. 

John Wesley Boteler, a retired minister of the 
Baltimore Conference Church South, was also con- 
verted in this school. 

At some time during this period a Mr. Wal- 
raven was connected with the school and took 
part in the management. No particulars of his 
incumbency have been obtained. 

On the twenty-second day of February, 1852, 
Samuel A. H. Marks was elected superintendent to 
succeed James Crandell. His term of office ex- 
tended through many years. He was able and 
faithful, and under his administration the school 
received an impetus which is felt at the present 
time. His period of service included the years of 
the Civil War, and through all the drawbacks of 



Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



that stormy period the school was maintained in- 
tact. 

When the United States Government held the 
church for hospital purposes, the school was ' moved 
first to the Odd-Fellows' Hall, on Eighth Street 
S. E., and then to the frame chapel on E Street, 
already described. 

During the year 1866 the centenary of Amer- 
ican Methodism was celebrated throughout the 
Church. The committee appointed by the General 
Conference to arrange for this great event sent 
forth an appeal, asking the Church to give not less 
than two millions of dollars, as an expression of 
gratitude to God for the signal proof of His pres- 
ence our history afforded. Various objects were 
named as the appropriate recipients of the Church's 
benefactions. As a financial result, the liberal 
thank-offerings of the Church for the various ob- 
jects named, as reported to the General Conference 
of 1868, amounted to nearly eight and three-quarter 
millions of dollars, or more than four times as much 
money as the Church was asked to give. The 
enlargement of the Endowment Fund of Dickinson 
College was made one of the objects of the gifts 
of the patronizing Conferences. Medals were struck 
and distributed to the contributors. Much enthu- 
siasm and liberality were excited, and as a result 
that fund was increased more than one hundred 
thousand dollars. 

Fourth- Street Sunday-school entered heartily 
into this great movement. In response to the call 
for a Centenary offering, the sum of five hundred 
dollars was given, which entitled the school to a 



Sunday-schools. 



93 



perpetual scholarship in the college. It has been 
occasionally used, but is now vacant. The school 
also holds a four-year scholarship in the same col- 
lege, presented by J. R. McCathran, a devoted and 
very useful member of the church. These scholar- 
ships can only be used by members of the Sunday- 
school. 

Thomas Somerville was next elected superin- 
tendent. He continued in office until the close of 
1873. He was re-elected, December 28, 1874, and 
resigned, May 1, 1876. These were periods of 
progress. The room in which the school met was 
improved. A suitable place w T as provided for the 
infant department, and also for the library. The 
basis of work was broadened, new features were 
introduced, and a more hearty sympathy with the 
general interests of the church was manifested. A 
revival also occurred in the Sunday-school. Nine 
of the officers and teachers and thirty-five scholars 
were converted. That was one of the best the 
school has ever known. Many persons received 
into the church from that work of grace are still 
among its membership. 

Isaac McCathran, son of J. R. McCathran — the 
fragrance of whose memory has not died out of the 
church- — was superintendent in the succeeding term. 
Reared in the school, he came to the office with a 
full knowledge of its history and needs, and ren- 
dered effective service. 

Donald McCathran, brother of the foregoing, 
was superintendent for the next four years. This 
was an important period in the growth of the 
school. The study of the Church Catechism was 



94 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



made a specialty, the missionary cause brought 
into more vital relation to the school, and the con- 
stitution made to conform to the Discipline of the 
Church. These things have been of lasting good 
to the school. 

On February 28, 1881, Joseph Webb succeeded 
to the superintendence-, and for nine years faith- 
fully and efficiently filled the office In love with 
his work, and grasping its possibilities, he kept the 
highest aims before the school, and laid down his 
charge with the evidences of prosperity visible on 
every hand. 

George R. Cook was the next called by the 
school to its chief office, and has continued therein 
until now. Having been connected with the school 
for many years — first as scholar, then as teacher and 
officer—he was prepared to move along the lines of 
work pursued in previous years and that had been 
found effective, and to add such features as expe- 
rience might decide to be worthy of trial. Enjoy- 
ing the confidence of the entire church, they are 
willing that he should continue in this great trust. 

The superintendents have uniformly aimed at 
the salvation of the children, and, as in former 
times so in this, "the pleasure of the Lord" has 
prospered in the hands of His servants. During 
the month of October, 1891, thirty-one scholars and 
one teacher professed conversion. For successive 
Sundays revival services were held in connection 
with the sessions of the school. 

For many years Thomas B. Stahl has been 
assistant superintendent, and has always been ready 
to render any service required of him. 



Sn n day -schools. 



95 



In March, 1892, three hundred and seventy-nine 
scholars and fifty-three officers and teachers were 
reported. The school has recently received a be- 
quest of four hundred dollars from the estate of 
Philip Otterback. This gentleman, a well-known 
citizen of Southeast Washington for many years, 
was led to include the Fourth-Street Sunday-school 
among the beneficiaries of his will from the fol- 
lowing circumstance. 

About forty-seven years ago he had in his 
employ a young man who died from small-pox. 
The general dread of contagion from that disease 
made it difficult to secure such service as the case 
demanded, The clergyman upon whose ministr}' 
the family attended, refused to conduct the funeral. 
Oliver Ege, then pastor of Ebenezer, when asked 
to perform that service, readily consented. Mr. 
Otterback was greatly pleased at this kindness, 
and showed his gratitude by the above-mentioned 
legacy. 

Tenth-Street School. 

Many attempts have been made to furnish the 
extreme southeastern part of the city with Sunday- 
school privileges. John Clapham, William Bland, 
Thomas Somerville, George McKee, and Theodore 
Sniffin successively organized schools in various 
houses on Eleventh Street, which for the time met 
the demands of the neighborhood ; but, as it has 
always been found difficult to maintain the institu- 
tion in that locality, they were abandoned after a 
short time 



g6 Methodism in Washington > D. C. 



In February, 1872, Robert W. Dunn, assisted 
by William Getzendanner and Edward Forsythe, 
organized a Sunday-school at Gates's Hall, corner 
Eleventh and N Streets S. E. This school was 
under the care of Zion's Harvesters, a society of 
the Fourth-Street Church. After two years the 
church on Tenth Street was built, and the school 
removed thither. 

During the twent} 7 years of its existence, it 
has had varying success. It has always been self- 
sustaining, but has had to struggle for its life many 
times. Conversions have occurred yearly. A num- 
ber of useful members have been added to the 
church through its agency. It is now in a pros- 
perous condition. The property is free from debt, 
and all the effort may now be given to the specific 
work of the school. This hopeful condition of 
affairs is mainly due to the persistent and sacri- 
ficing work of R. W. Dunn, who has been superin- 
tendent from the beginning. He has been ably 
seconded by William M. Mathis, who for more than 
four years has been secretary. 

In March, 1892, one hundred and twenty schol- 
ars and fifteen officers were reported to the Annual 
Conference. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



SOCIETIES. 



u Everyone members one of another ." — PAUL. 



For many years organizations of various kinds 
have existed in the Fourth-Street Church for the 
promotion of such benevolent and social objects as 
have seemed to be necessary to complete its circle 
of activities. As the laboring thought of the Church 
has created new agencies for the progress of the 
kingdom of God, this charge has been ready to 
adopt them, and so keep itself abreast with the 
times and in touch with all the general movements 
of the denomination. And when any local demand 
has arisen, it has not been backward to devise the 
scheme for its satisfaction. And so, in the follow- 
ing description of the societies connected with this 
church, it will be found that in all counectional 
and congregational enterprises it has borne its 
share. 

Ladiks' Mite Society was organized Febru- 
ary 5, 1847. At first the society had two objects; 
viz., to furnish the parsonage and to relieve the 



gS Metlwdism in Washington, D. C. 



poor of Ebenezer Station. It was found, after sev- 
eral years' experiment, that the resources of the 
society would not warrant the effort to conduct 
so broad a scheme, and the constitution was so 
changed as to make the furnishing of the parson- 
age the only object. 

The first officers were : President, Mariel Clap- 
ham ; Vice-President, Susannah Ege ; Secretary, 
Catherine Bradley ; Treasurer, Elizabeth Smoot ; 
Executive Committee, Eliza Marshall, Ellen Adams, 
Julia Little, Hannah Dixon, and Sarah J. Ruff. 
The Collectors were Ann R. Ober (afterward Sec- 
retary for twenty years, and still an active mem- 
ber of the society), Sarah Otterback, Mary David- 
son, Esther Marche, Caroline Burdine (now Mrs. 
Ober, a member of the Executive Committee of 
the society, and deeply interested in its work), 
Sarah Bradley, Eliza Henning, and Margaretta 
Prettyman. There were one hundred and eight 
members paying fifty cents a year. 

The wives of the pastors have always served 
in some official position, many of them have been 
president. Mary L. McElfresh was the last to hold 
that office. Charlotte Bates succeeded her, and 
was president a number of years. Alma Y. Davis 
was the next president, and successfully conducted 
the affairs of the society. 

The present officers are : President, Ann Pad- 
gett ; Vice-President, Emily Moffatt ; Secretary, M. 
R. Palmer; Treasurer, Elizabeth Dunn; Executive 
Committee, A. V. Davis, Nellie Dwyer, Elizabeth 
Beron, Annie Cook, Rachel Belt, Mary Speake, 
and Caroline Ober. 



Societies. 



99 



This society is one of the most efficient agencies 
of all those engaged in the work of the church. 
It has been a constant pleasure to its members to 
contribute to the comfort of the pastor's family. 
Their wants are generally anticipated, or, if not, 
are relieved as soon as known. 

Besides this, the Mite Society has helped in 
various ways. In 1879 land was purchased at 
Washington Grove, and a cottage built for the use 
of the pastor's family. More ground was subse- 
quently bought, and the house greatly enlarged 
and beautified. It is also furnished, and is now a 
delightful Summer-home. The whole expense was 
met by special collections, none of the revenue of 
the society being used for that purpose. There is 
no debt. 

In 1884, the Bibles used in the church were 
purchased by it. In 1885, the ground on which 
the present parsonage was built, was purchased by 
the society, at a cost of six hundred dollars, and 
presented to the board of trustees. They were 
kindly assisted in this enterprise by the Young 
People's Union. 

Some of the brethren are mentioned as having 
rendered special service to the society. William 
Dixon and James Bright each served as treasurer 
for several years, Dr. S. A. H. McKim and Thomas 
Somerville attended the meetings regularly. 

Regular meetings are held on the second Thurs- 
day in every month, and the membership fee is ten 
cents per month. 

The first annual report was as follows : 



ioo Methodism in Washington, D. C. 

Received from subscribers $28 86^ 

" (< donations 3 50 

Total S32 36^ 

Expended for parsonage siS 95 

M " destitute 6 12 

Total 25 07 

Balance on hand % 7 29 

The last annual report is as follows : 

Received from collectors S103 60 

" donations, &c ... 45 75 

11 for cottage account 95 35 

Total $244 70 



The difference in these reports shows the prog- 
ress the society has made since its organization. 
After forty-five years it is more efficient than ever. 

Young Men's Christian Union was organized 
in 1865, during the first pastorate of George V. 
Leech. It did effective work for the Church of 
God on many lines. Besides such religious meet- 
ings as it conducted, much money was raised for 
various purposes. The Twelfth-Street Methodist 
Episcopal Church is a result of its activity. The 
money necessary for its erection was collected un- 
der the auspices of this society. This is but one 
of many things it did. 

Zion's Harvesters was organized October 2c, 
1 87 1. The benevolent purpose of this society was 
"to visit and pray with the sick,'' and "to hold 
regular weekly meetings at the Alms-house." This 
was a vigorous and helpful organization. Many 



Societies. 



101 



homes were blest by the ministrations of its zealous 
members, and the inmates of the poor-house were 
afforded religious privileges in the prayer-meetings 
which for a long time were held there. This so- 
ciety also did mission work for the Sunday-school 
cause. The Tenth-Street School was organized 
under its auspices. 

Young People's Christian Association was 
organized July 13, 1875. Its object was to hold 
religious meetings on Sunday afternoon, and cot- 
tage prayer- and experience-meetings. This for a 
considerable period was a popular and successful 
institution. Immense congregations attended the 
Sunday afternoon meetings. Great awakening and 
converting power marked its history. During its 
continuance it was of marked advantage to the 
church. 

Woman's Foreign Missionary Society was 
organized, May 14, 1876, during the pastorate of 
John W. Hedges. It began with seventy-six mem- 
bers. M. C. Hedges, wife of the pastor, was the 
first President; Mrs. Coombs, Mrs. Clapham, and 
Mrs. Bently were Vice-Presidents; Ella Walteis, 
Secretary ; Addie Lyon, Corresponding Secretary ; 
and M. Rebecca Palmer, Treasurer. 

Since the organization of the society over eight 
hundred and fifty-two dollars have been received. 
Special donations were made for a considerable 
time by Susan Dove for the support of an orphan 
in India, named for a daughter who died in infancy. 

The officers for 1.892 are Matilda Ferguson, 



io2 Methodism in Washington, D. C, 



President ; Alma V. Davis and Xeilie Dwyer, Vice- 
Presidents ; A. Elizabeth Moffatt, Secretary ; and 
M. Rebecca Palmer, Treasurer. There are now 
fort}'- two members. Besides the regular monthly 
meetings, special public meetings have been held 
in the interest of the society. 

SUXDAY-SCHOOL GOSPEL TEMPERANCE SOCIETY 

was organized in the lecture-room of the church, 
November 18, 1881, a meeting for that purpose 
being called by Thomas B. Stahl, assistant super- 
intendent of the school. The officers elected were : 
President. T. B. Stahl; Vice-President. Lillie Webb; 
Treasurer, R. E. Cook ; Secretary, R. W. Emmons ; 
Collectors, Harry Belt and Ella Casey ; Organist, 
Harry Dove. 

The history of this organization has been re- 
markable. The regular meetings have been held 
on the afternoon of the first Sunday of the month, 
and not a single month has passed without a meet- 
ing. Over two hundred and fifty addresses on the 
subject of temperance have been delivered, many 
of them by distinguished persons from various parts 
of the United States, while the best temperance 
workers of the city have generously given their 
assistance. About seven hundred and fifty persons 
have signed the pledge. Great quantities of tem- 
perance literature have been distributed. The 
membership includes persons of many creeds, and, 
while under the auspices of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, has a following and an influence in 
all the churches of the neighborhood, including 
the Roman Catholic. It is considered one of the 



Societies. 



103 



most efficient organizations of its kind in the city. 
T. B. Stahl has been President from the beginning. 
He has never been absent from a meeting, and 
much of the success of the society must be at- 
tributed to his untiring work in its behalf. Robert 
E. Cook has been Secretary since March 13, 1884, 
and has faithfully and efficiently filled the office. 

Save-All Band, a juvenile missionary society, 
auxiliary to the Woman's Foreign Missionary So- 
ciety of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was or- 
ganized, April 14, 1886, by M. A. Reiley, secretary 
of the Washington District, Baltimore Branch, Sarah 
Rodgers being elected president. After two years 
she removed to Colorado, and was succeeded by 
Emma Thomas, who also served two years Eliza- 
beth Brinkley was the next president. She was 
succeeded by Ada Mathis who holds the office at 
the present time. 

The officers of the society are organized into 
a band of "Willing Workers," whose object is to 
supplement the regular income of the society, and 
keep it up to a required amount. They have also 
provided missionary literature for the meetings. 

The society meets weekly, on Friday evening. 
Besides the promotion of the missionary cause, 
Bible study is pursued regularly, and literary and 
musical exercises are sometimes held. The anni- 
versary, which is always observed, is an interesting 
occasion. The Christmas entertainment is always 
well attended. 

The annual contribution of the society is about 
one hundred dollars, a part of which is used for 



io4 Methodism in Washington, 1). C. 



the education of such orphans in the foreign mis- 
sion fields as the society may designate. 

The success of the Save- All Band is pronounced. 
It holds a prominent place in the thought of the 
church, 

The Young People's Union was organized 
in June, 1886. Forty-eight members were enrolled 
at the beginning. The object of the Union was 
broad, and, during the time it was active, accom- 
plished much. That object was "to promote social 
harmony and unity of effort among our young 
people, 1 ' and "to work for the social and financial 
interest of the church." It also aimed "to pro- 
mote a fraternal spirit amongst the various organi- 
zations of young people in other Methodist churches 
of Washington." 

The regular meetings were held bi-weekly, at 
the homes of the members. There was no admis- 
sion fee nor any dues, but all were expected to 
contribute labor and money, as they might be able, 
to any enterprises that might be projected. 

Several very successful bazars and excursions 
were held. The Union has been a financial profit 
to the church. It has paid its own way and put 
a handsome sum into the treasury of the Board of 
Trustees. In conjunction with the Mite Society it 
bought the lot on which the present parsonage 
stands. It assumed the debt against the trustees, 
and has regularly paid the interest, besides a good 
sum on the principal. 

Antedating the Epworth League in Washington, 
by printed appeals it strove to unite the young peo- 



Societies. 105 

pie of our city Methodism ; and anything achieved 
in that work owes its beginning to this organiza- 
tion. The pastor of the church depended almost 
entirely on the co-operation of the Young People's 
Union in arranging for the "Old Folks' Day," that 
was so successfully observed in May, 1891. 

The following financial exhibit will show the 
extent of its work in that direction. 



Paid on parsonage lot $263 78 

" principal of trustees' note 700 00 

" interest " " 524 85 

Total $1488 63 



The officers are as follows : President, Maurice 
Otterback ; Vice-President, Thomas S. Dunn ; Treas- 
urer, Clara J. Belt ; Secretary, Robert E. Cook. 

Woman's Home Missionary Society was 
organized in November, 1886. It has forty-two 
members. The average amount contributed yearly 
by the society is fifty dollars. Its objects are 
those of the Woman's Home Missionary Society of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which it is 
auxiliary. Besides contributions of money, its 
members secure, whenever possible, donations of 
food and clothing, which are distributed mainly 
through the authorized agents of the society. 

The Deaconess movement in the Church has 
the hearty co-operation of this body of workers. 
They have assisted in the establishment of the 
Deaconess Home in this city, and are deeply in- 
terested in the Lucy Webb Hayes Home, recently 
founded. 



io6 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



The officers are : President, Emily Moffatt ; 
Vice-President, Esther Meeker ; Secretary, Ammie 
Bohannon ; Treasurer, Elizabeth Bohannon. 

Epworth League was organized, November 2, 
1 89 1, at a meeting called by the pastor for the 
purpose. There are seventy-rive members at pres- 
ent, a gain of about twenty-five since the organi- 
zation. A young people's meeting is held every 
Sunday evening before public worship. Cottage 
prayer-meetings have been held weekly. All the 
departments are organized and have meetings of 
their own, and thereby contribute 'much to the 
success of the league. Business meetings are held 
monthly. 

The officers are : President, Arthur A. Chapin ; 
1st Vice-President, or Chairman of the Department 
of Religious Work, A. Elizabeth Hancock ; 2d Vice- 
President, or Chairman of the Department of Mercy 
and Help, Nellie Hogan ; 3d Vice-President, or 
Chairman of the Department of Entertainment, 
Maurice Otterback ; 4th Vice-President, or Chair- 
man of the Literary Department, Robert E. Cook ; 
Secretary, Mary Williamson ; Treasurer, Charles E. 
Trazzare. 




CHAPTER IX. 



CHURCH EXTENSION. 



" The banyan of the Indian isle 

Spreads deeply down its massive root, 
And spreads its branching life abroad, 
And bends to earth with scarlet fruit.' 1 '' 



Fourth - Street Station is the mother of 
churches. At different times in its history it has 
planted missions in various places in the south- 
eastern part of the city, and has thereby contrib- 
uted very materially to the spread of Methodism in 
Washington. Four churches now stand the wit- 
nesses to the zeal and liberality of this time-hon- 
ored charge. In this chapter an account will be 
given of their rise and progress. 

Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church, 
Washington Conference. — On April 27, 1838, Lot 
4, Square 820, was purchased from William and 
Rachel Prout. The trustees named were James 
Crandell, Ambrose White, George Adams, Daniel 
Page, William W. Lowe, and Grafton D. Parson. 



io8 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



The necessity for a separate place of worship for 
the colored members had by this time become 
pressing. The membership of the church had 
grown too large to be accommodated in the house 
hitherto used for worship by both races ; and so a 
frame church was at once built and a separate 
appointment for the colored people organized, tinder 
the supervision of the pastor of Ebenezer. This 
building was also used as a school-house for col- 
ored children. Rev. James M. Hanson, who for 
several years was supernumerary in connection 
with the station, was the teacher; the mother of 
R. H. Robinson, of the Washington Conference, 
being one of his pupils. 

The pulpit of this church was supplied for 
years by the junior preachers of Ebenezer, assisted 
by several colored local preachers — among them 
Philip Hamilton, Pompey Irving, and Mr. Cart- 
wright. 

On October 18, i860, the property was placed 
in the hands of colored trustees, as follows : Alfred 
H. Perry, William Brown, Sr., William Brown, Jr., 
Benjamin J. Grant, Nathaneal Jackson, John Payne, 
James H. Hill. William Thomas, and Noah Jones. 

The Washington Conference was organized Oc- 
tober, 1864, and this church was included in its 
bounds. David Jones was the first pastor. In 1866 
the property was given in fee to the colored people, 
R. H. Robinson being their pastor at that time. 

In 1873 the present brick church was built. 
Wm. P. Ryder, now pastor of Metropolitan Church, 
Baltimore, was a member of the board of trustees 
under whose direction it was erected. Benjamin J. 



Church Extension. 109 

Grant, a local preacher, is the only living member 
of the board appointed in i860. 

The following persons are trustees at the pres- 
ent time, viz. : A. W. Dangerfield, John Mitchell, 
Jesse Barnes, Enoch Colbert, James H. Proctor, 
John Cephas, William Bell, William E. Bowie, and 
Joseph S. Fletcher. Alexander Dennis is the pres- 
ent pastor. The charge is now one of the best in 
the Conference. 

Anacostia Methodist Episcopal Church.— 
The first class in this place was organized, in 1845, 
by Rev. Oliver Ege. It was composed of seven 
persons, viz. : Louis Newman, leader ; James Dan- 
forth, Sr., Ann D. Danforth, James Danforth, Jr., 
Francis Brown, Susan Brown, William Brown. A 
small chapel was built on the river road, by James 
Danforth, Sr., after whom it was named. Louis 
Newman, after being in charge of the class for a 
short time, was succeeded by James Crandell, who 
after six weeks' incumbency was succeeded by 
Samuel Skidmore, a man of strong character, and 
a consistent and ardent Methodist, who held the 
office about fourteen years. 

A Sunday-school was also organized, with Louis 
Newman superintendent, who held the office sev- 
eral years. 

The preaching services were held by the local 
preachers of Ebenezer Station, with an occasional 
sermon by the preacher in charge. Converts of 
the revivals of those days are still members of the 
charge. Rev. Samuel Marks is mentioned as hav- 
ing been faithful in this ministerial service. 



no Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



The present church was built in 1859, through 
the labors of Rev. W. M. D. Ryan, after whom it 
was named. The lot on which it stands was the 
gift of Mr. Yanhook. There were forty members 
in the society at this date. In 1869 Ryan Chapel 
was separated from Ebenezer, and with four ap- 
pointments in the country was made a circuit. In 
1 87 1 it was made a station. Previous to 1883 it 
was known as Uniontown. 

The following have been the pastors: 1869-70, 
Arthur Foster; 1871-73, Francis G. Kirby ; 1874- 
76, James McLaren; 1877-80, O. C. Marriott; 
1880-82, J. H. Ryland; 1883-85, W. H. Reed; 
1886-88, C. O. Cook; 1889-92, Ezekiel Richardson. 
James McLaren was re-appointed March, 1892. 

The statistics are as follows: 170 members, n 
probationers, 2 Sunday-schools with more than 300 
scholars. There is no debt upon the property. 

The project of building a new church has been 
started, and over two hundred dollars have been 
placed in bank on that account. A subscription 
of fourteen hundred dollars has also been taken. 
Seven hundred and fifty dollars have been paid 
towards the building of the American University. 

Twelfth - Street Methodist Episcopal 
Church was built, in 1868, through the efforts of 
the Young Men's Christian Union of the Fourth- 
Street charge. Ground was purchased from Wil- 
liam Dixon, at a cost of five hundred dollars, and 
a neat frame chapel erected thereon. In 1872 this 
appointment was made a separate charge. Rev. 



Church Extension. 



in 



James N. Henning had mostly supplied the pulpit 
up to this date. 

The first pastor was Milton E. Hysore, whose 
term of service w r as suddenly ended, November 8, 
1874. While preaching, he suddenly exclaimed, 
"Jesus saves me, saves me now!" and, falling in 
the pulpit, never spoke again. The record of sub- 
sequent pastors is as follows: 1875, J. J. Largent ; 
1876-78, H. Nice; 1879-80, G. W. Heyde ; 1881-82, 
T. A. Morgan; 1883-85, J. H. Ryland ; 1886, Thos. 
Myers; 1887-89, J. D. Still; 1890-91, H. Baker; 
1892, C. E. Pate. 

In 1891 land w T as purchased at the corner of 
Twelfth and E Streets S. E., and the chapel re- 
moved thereto. The original lot was transferred, 
in the same year, to the trustees of Twelfth-Street 
Church from Fourth-Street Church, on condition 
that the money realized from its sale should be 
used to liquidate the debt on the new lot. 

The statistics of the charge are as follows : 73 
members, 1 probationer, and 180 scholars in the 
Sunday-school. 

Tenth-Street Methodist Episcopal Church 
was built in 1872. It was dedicated to the worship 
of God by Rev. W. T. D. Clemm, then pastor of 
Fourth-Street charge. It is a neat frame structure 
that will seat about two hundred persons. The 
original trustees were R. W. Dunn, Dr. Elmer E. 
Adams, John Axe, Overton Tolson, and George R. 
Cook. The cost of the church was about two 
thousand dollars. The ground was leased for fif- 
teen years. It was subsequently purchased for one 



ii2 Methodism in Washington, D.C. 



thousand dollars. It is now worth considerably 
more. 

No regular preaching services are held. Pro- 
tracted meetings are held nearly every year, some- 
times conducted by the preacher in charge of the 
station and sometimes by the superintendent of the 
Sunday-school. There have been many conver- 
sions, and useful members have thereby been given 
to the church. It has required persistent effort to 
sustain the cause of God at this place ; but faith 
has triumphed, and now that it is free from debt, 
it has a more hopeful outlook than ever before. 

The twentieth anniversary was observed Feb- 
ruary 7, 1892. Rev. W. T. D. Clemm preached in 
the morning and evening. At three p. m. a Sun- 
day-school meeting was held. The debt remaining 
on the property was provided for on that occasion. 
The weather was very inclement, but the objects of 
the anniversary were accomplished. 

The board of trustees at present consists of R. 
W. Dunn, R. C. Griffin, W. D. Campbell, George 
Thorn, M. T. Dixon, P. B. Otterback, W. R. Speiden, 
G. W. Dunn, and William Mathis. 



CHAPTER X. 

SKETCHES OF PASTORS. 



" From on high 
His warrant is; his charge, aloud to cry, 

And spread his Master's attributes abroad."— BlSHOP MaNT. 



Methodist preachers have always gone to 
their work professing to be moved by a divine 
impulse, and the Church, while inducting men into 
the orders and offices of its ministry, has claimed 
only to recognize those whom God has called. It 
is not satisfied if they declare that they regard the 
ministry as a work for which they have special 
qualifications, or as a sphere in which they can 
display peculiar power. Nor will it be considered 
sufficient, if they ask for admission to the ministry 
because the pathway to it seemed to lie open to 
them, and it would be the most natural and 
congenial manner of employing their time. They 
must unhesitatingly declare that they are called of 
God, as was Aaron. They must be able to say 
that a dispensation of the Gospel has been com- 



ii4 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



mitted to them, and that they will incur condem- 
nation if they do not obey. 

Methodists believe that men are selected for 
the holy ministry, not by parental preference, nor 
by the convenience of family allottment, but by the 
Great Head of the Church, working by the direct 
agency of the Divine Spirit. 

To every candidate for admission into the min- 
istry the bishop, in the presence of the people, 
puts the question, "Do you trust that you are 
inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon 
you the office of the ministry in the Church of 
Christ, to serve God for the promoting of His 
glory and the edifying of His people?" And he 
must answer, "I trust so." Upon this profession 
alone would he be permitted to have a place in 
our ministry. 

Besides this divine call, every pastor goes to 
his appointed place with the formal endorsement 
of the Annual Conference of which he is a mem- 
ber. It is never taken for granted that, because a 
preacher is not explicitly charged with some of- 
fense, he is innocent. It must be positively stated 
that he is so. 

The twentieth question in the Order of Busi- 
ness in an Annual Conference is, "Was the char- 
acter of each preacher examined?" And under 
this the name of each member is publicly called, 
and his character is not passed until the answer is 
made, "There is nothing against him." This oc- 
curs every year during a preacher's connection with 
a Conference. This unique feature of our economy 
gives the Methodist people an added respect for 



Sketches of Pastors. 



"5 



their pastors, and enables the pastors to go to 
their appointments conscious of the great advan- 
tage such an endorsement secures. 

Such was the ordeal through which the men 
passed of whom biographical sketches are about 
to be given. Each succeeding pastor, during these 
ninety years, has declared himself called of God to 
preach the Gospel, and his brethren have declared 
him worthy of his calling. The following is a 
complete list of the pastors Fourth-Street Church 
has had since it appeared in the minutes ; also, a 
record of such facts concerning their ministry as 
would be interesting. 

1802. 

William Watters. 

To this man of God belongs the honor — 
"never to be shared, never to be impaired" — of 
being the first native itinerant preacher in Ameri- 
can Methodism. Abel Stevens speaks of him as 
"the first of the thousands, the tens of thousands, 
of American Methodist itinerants who have spread 
the Gospel over the North American Continent; a 
man fervent in spirit, prudent in counsel, indefati- 
gable in labors, saintly in piety." 

He was born in that part of Baltimore County, 
Maryland, now included in Harford County, Octo- 
ber 16, 1 75 1. Exposed to evil influences, he was 
restrained from vice by the watchful care of his 
mother. The only ministers he knew in his youth 
were two parish clergymen, who reflected but little 



1 1 6 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



honor upon their office, desiring only the stipend 
by which their services were compensated. In a 
few years after Methodism was planted in America, 
its itinerants reached the neighborhood in which 
he lived, and he was awakened under their preach- 
ing, and in May, 1771, was converted. He says, 
14 In the same house where I was born a child of 
wrath, I was born a child of grace." This occur- 
red in his twentieth year. Being received among 
the Methodists he thought a greater blessing than 
to be a prince. 

With his conversion came the divine call to 
the ministry and the impulse to work. Obeying 
the command, 4 1 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to 
do, do it with thy might," he began to call his 
neighbors to repentance, and was permitted to see 
some of them converted. In a few months after 
this he was given license to exhort. While exer- 
cising his gifts in that office, he was pressed with 
the conviction that he must give himself to the 
regular ministry, which, after prayer and fasting, 
he did, and was licensed to preach in October, 
1771, just as he was twenty-one years of age. 

During that same month he started on an 
evangelistic tour, with Robert Williams, one of the 
most useful, laborious, and successful of the early 
preachers. Reaching Norfolk, Va., young Watters 
was left to establish Methodism in that region, 
while Williams passed on to similar work elsewhere. 
He continued in that field until 1773; and when 
the first Conference of Methodist preachers held 
on the American Continent met in Philadelphia, 
during that year, he was able to report that a cir- 



Sketches of Pastors. 



117 



cuit had been organized. He was the only native 
American preacher in that Conference. 

He was sent thence to Kent Circuit. After 
serving the Church acceptably in several fields, 
he located in 1782, and continued in that relation, 
with the exception of three months, until 1801. 
when he re-entered the traveling connection, and 
was stationed at Alexandria, Ya 

In 1802 he was pastor of Georgetown and 
Washington; and in 1805, of Washington City, it 
having that year become a separate charge. 

Growing feeble, though only fifty-four years of 
age, he was compelled to locate again, at the end 
of that Conference year. He settled on his farm 
in Fairfax County, Ya., where he continued to re- 
side until the end of his life. 

During his last years he was totally blind, but 
is known to have preached after that affliction had 
befallen him. For his convenience his house was 
made a preaching-place, once in two weeks. 

He died, March 28, 1827, in the seventy-sixth 
year of his age, and was buried in a corner of his 
farm. For many years his grave remained un- 
marked, the stones and fence being removed dur- 
ing the late war. Through the instrumentality of 
Rev. R. F. Bishop, a suitable monument has been 
erected over the graves of Watters and his wife, 
and the lot inclosed by a substantial iron fence ; 
Bishop Fitzgerald contributing one hundred dollars 
and the remainder given by members of the Wat- 
ters family in Harford County, Md., and several of 
the preachers of the Yirginia Conference of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 



1 1 8 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



Watters was of medium size and quite erect 
in his bearing. He was dignified, but courteous 
and affable, wore "knee breeches, buckle shoes, 
claw-hammer coat, and gold spectacles"; had a 
sweet voice and was a good singer. He was 
a life-long friend of Bishop Asbury, who visited 
him whenever practicable. At his last visit these 
two great and now aged men embraced and 
greeted each other with the holy kiss. Washing- 
ton Methodists should always cherish the memory 
of William Watters. 

1803. 

John Potts. 

John Potts entered the traveling ministry in 
1796. He served the Church in the following ap- 
pointments, viz.: 1796, Stafford; 1797-8, Berkeley; 
1799, Frederick; 1800, Montgomery; 1801, Lancas- 
ter, Ya. ; 1802, Baltimore Circuit ; 1803, Georgetown 
and Washington. He then transferred to the Vir- 
ginia Conference, and was stationed, 1804, Ports- 
mouth aud Norfolk ; 1805-6, Petersburg ; 1807, 
Portsmouth ; 1808, Suffolk. He was located in 
1809, and died in 1833. 

1 804. 

Seely Bunn. 

Seely Bunn was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., 
August 1, 1765. He was converted in Berkeley 



Sketclies of Pastors. 



119 



County, Va., April 29, 1789; entered the itinerant 
ministry in 1792. He labored efficiently until 1814, 
when from affliction he became superannuated. He 
continued in this relation until his death, which 
occurred in 1834. He was a devoted standard- 
bearer of Methodism as it pushed its victories into 
the frontier settlements of the country, and endured 
many hardships as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 
The immediate cause of his death was a fall from 
his gig. Sustained by the doctrines of the Gospel, 
his end was triumphant. 

1805. 

William Watters. 
For biographical sketch see under the year 1802. 

1806. 
No appointment. 

1807. 

John Watson. 

John Watson was born in Calvert County, Md. ; 
' was received into the traveling connection in the 
year 1792, and was superannuated in 1825 ; in which 
relation he continued until the period of his death, 
which happened at Mr. Weller's, near Martinsburg, 
Berkeley County, Va., some time in the early part 



i2o Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



of the Summer of 1838. He was happy in view of 
death and eternity. He stated that the Lord had 
been his friend so long, He surely would not now 
forsake him. There is no doubt that our venerable 
brother is now safely lodged in Abraham's bosom. 
He was stationed at Washington in 1807. 

1808. 
Joshua Wells. 

Joshua Wells departed this life at the resi- 
dence of Mr. William Fite, in Baltimore County, 
Md., January 25, 1862, — it being believed that he 
was the oldest traveling Methodist preacher in the 
world. He was born in Baltimore County, in the 
year 1764. His parents were upright and respect- 
able members of the Church of England, living 
within a mile of St. Thomas's Church, where Mr. 
Wells was baptized. 

It was through the godly example and christian 
counsels of his employer, Mr. Robert N. Carman, 
that Mr. Wells was led to seek religion. He was 
received into the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 
j 787, and at a Conference held in Baltimore, May 
4, 1789, he was received into the traveling connec- 
tion, being then twenty-five years of age. 

During his itinerant career he filled the fol- 
lowing stations with great usefulness and accepta- 
bility, namely: 1789, Bath; 1790, Harford; 1791, 
Calvert; 1792, Montgomery; 1793, Frederick; 1794, 
Rockingham; 1795-6, Rockingham District; 1797-8, 
New York ; 1799, Boston; 1800, Lynn and Marble- 



Sketches of Pastors. 



12 1 



head; 1801, Nantucket; 1802, Baltimore and Fell's 
Point; 1803, Baltimore City; 1804-5, Philadelphia; 
1806, Wilmington, Del. ; 1807, Wilmington, N. C ; 
1808, Washington City; 1809, Baltimore Circuit; 
1810, Harford; 1811-14, Baltimore District ; 1815-16, 
Fell's Point; 1817-18, Baltimore City; 1819-20, 
Alexandria. 

At the Conference held in Baltimore in 1821, 
he took a superannuated relation, in which he re- 
mained until his death. 

Further evidence of the confidence reposed in 
him by the Church is to be found in the fact that, 
perhaps with no single exception, until his age and 
physical infirmities compelled him to decline the 
honor, he was elected a member of the General 
Conference, where his marked ability and sterling 
qualities enabled him to exert a decided influence 
upon the deliberations of that august body, and 
aided to establish the present enviable reputation 
of our Church. 

1809. 
James Smith. 

James Smith was born in Virginia, in 1782 or 
1783. He began to preach when only sixteen years 
of age ; was admitted to the Conference on trial in 
1802. His death occurred at Baltimore, in April, 
1826. He was a member of the General Confer- 
ences of 1812, 1820, and 1824. 

He was stationed twice at the following places, 
viz. : Frederick, Annapolis, Baltimore, St. George's 



122 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



(Philadephia), Severn Circuit, and Montgomery Cir- 
cuit ; and once at Fairfax, Va., Prince George's, 
Md., Baltimore Circuit, Union (Philadelphia), Cen- 
treville, Md., and at Washington City in 1809. 

He possessed a high order of intellect, and was 
profound and thorough in his investigations. He 
was remarkably eloquent, and always had crowds 
attending his ministry. At first his attainments 
were so meager that he was compelled to spell 
over the Bible-lessons and hymns, so that at the 
services he might read them without stammering ; 
and yet such was his diligence in study that he 
made himself acquainted with metaphysics from 
Locke to Drew, was familiar with the ablest of 
English divines, and read Bacon, Milton, Butler, 
Burke, Johnson, and Addison. He was an extem- 
poraneous preacher, and was great in the gift of 
'prayer. 

He was nearly six feet tall, had fair com- 
plexion and very dark auburn hair. His face was 
round and pleasant. One eye was a beautiful soft 
blue, the other a dark hazel. 

He was absent-minded to a ludicrous and in- 
convenient extent. He rode out of Alexandria, 
Va., without his hat, and at Annapolis buried 
himself in the high pulpit, out of sight of the 
congregation, lost in reading the Bible, and so 
consumed the whole time of the service, the people 
wondering at his absence. He was pronounced by 
his contemporaries a most attractive and original 
preacher and fine debater. 



Sketches of Pastors. 



123 



1810. 

James Saunders. 

James Saunders was admitted on trial in the 
Baltimore Conference in 1805, and was ordained 
deacon in 1807. In 1805 he was stationed at 
Northumberland; in 1806 at Juniatta ; in 1807 at 
Lancaster, Va. ; in 1808 he was located. In 1810 
he was employed by the presiding elder to supply 
Washington City. We have no information con- 
cerning his subsequent history. 

1811. 

Beverly Waugh. 

This beloved and distinguished minister of the 
Gospel was born in Fairfax County, Va., October 
25, 1789, and died in Baltimore, Md., February 9, 
1858. 

In his fifteenth year he joined the church, and 
in his twentieth he became a traveling minister, 
and for eighteen years filled a number of the most 
prominent appointments. In 1828 he was. made 
Assistant Book Agent, and in 1832, Principal Book 
Agent. He was a member of the General Confer- 
ences of 1816, 1820, 1828, and 1836. The Book 
Concern was burned during his incumbency as 
agent ; but the confidence of the Church in him 
was so great that, at the General Conference of 
1836 he w r as elected to the office of bishop. 

During the twenty-two years of his episcopal 



124 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



services he was never absent from one of his Con- 
ferences. He shared the responsibility of presiding 
over five sessions of the General Conference, some 
of which were the most laborious and difficult 
known in the history of the Church. His travels 
were extensive, when the scant facilities of the 
period are considered. Bishop Janes said, "During 
his term of episcopal service, it is believed, he 
traveled about one hundred thousand miles by all 
sorts of conveyances, preached two thousand ser- 
mons, presided over one hundred and fifty Confer- 
ences, and ordained from twenty-five hundred to 
three thousand deacons and elders, besides services 
rendered on various special occasions." 

He was a pure specimen of a Christian gen- 
tleman — dignified yet simple, respectful and re- 
spected. He showed nothing of the prelate, but 
much of the father in Christ. 

His grave is at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Balti- 
more, Md., near those of Bishops Asbury, George, 
and Emory. 

He was pastor at Washington City in 1811, 
and again in 181 7. 

1812, 1813. 

Andrew Hemphill. 

Andrew Hemphill was born in the north of 
Ireland, and emigrated to this country about the 
beginning of the century. He joined the Confer- 
ence in 1803. He was first sent to the Clarksburg 
Circuit. The Baltimore Conference at that day 



Sketches of Pastors. 



125 



was so large in area as to include such far-away 
regions as those occupied by the Pittsburg, Hol- 
ston, and Oneida Conferences ; and in almost every 
section of this great field we find this man of God 
taking his full share of ministerial labor. 

He enjoyed no inconsiderable share of the re- 
markable success achieved by the men of his day. 
He was, in the best sense of the word, a revivalist. 
He acted on the principle that he is the best 
preacher who wins the most souls to Christ. As 
a preacher he was grave, simple, sincere, pure in 
doctrine, original in thought, and affectionate in 
address. His personal appearance and spirit were 
truly patriarchal, and will not be easily effaced 
from the memory of those who knew him. 

He died fifteen minutes before five o'clock on 
Sunday morning, August 27, 1837, in the sixtieth 
year of his age. He was at that time presiding 
elder of the Carlisle District. His last words were, 
"Happy, happy." At his own request, Henry 
Smith preached his funeral sermon, — the text be- 
ing Acts xi. 24: "He was a good man, and full of 
the Holy Ghost, and much people was added unto 
the Lord." 

He was stationed at Washington City in 181 2- 
13, and again in 1815. 

1814. 

John G. Watt. 

John Gill Watt was born February 25, 1778, 
and died at Upperville, Ya., September 23, 1842. 



126 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



Converted in his boyhood, he was at length called 
to the ministry, and in 1807 entered the Confer- 
ence. He performed all the duties of his itineracy 
until failing health compelled him to leave the 
effective ranks of the ministry, which he did in 
1829. In the last twelve years of his life he 
experienced very great bodily suffering. But his 
Christian zeal continued until the end. At the 
close of his life he adopted the words of the 
apostle: "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, 
where is thy victory ? " 

He was stationed at Washington in 181 4. 

1815. 

Andrew Hemphiu,. 

For biographical sketch see for the years 181 2 
and 1813. 

1816. 

Samuel Montgomery. 

Samuel Montgomery entered the traveling min- 
istry of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1807, 
and continued therein for fourteen years. His 
successive appointments were as follows : Rocking- 
ham, Greenbrier, Monroe, Pendleton, Lancaster, 
Baltimore, New River, East Wheeling, Carlisle, 
Washington, Baltimore City, Redstone, Mononga- 
hela, Greenbrier. His name disappears from the 
minutes after 1821, but from what cause we are 
not informed. 



Sketches of Pastors. 



127 



1817. 

Beverly Waugh. 
For biographical sketch see for the year 181 1. 

1818. 

Richard Hunt. 

Richard Hunt united with the Conference in 
1 81 4, and served in the following places: Alle- 
ghan}r, Calvert, Baltimore, Fredericksburg Wash- 
ington, Prince George, and Fredericktown. In 1823 
he withdrew from the connection. 

1819. 

William Monroe. 

This holy man of God and minister of Jesus 
Christ was born in Alleghany County, Md., Sep- 
tember 8, 1783, and died at Boonsboro, Md., May 
29, 1 87 1. Converted in his twenty-second year, 
his thoughts were directed to the ministry, and he 
was licensed to preach in the Fall of 1809. He 
was admitted on trial in the Baltimore Conference 
in the Spring of 1810. His appointments were as 
follows: Littleton Circuit, Huntingdon, Greenfield, 
Randolph, Redstone, East Wheeling, Monongahela, 
Rockingham, Alleghany, Ya., Ebenezer (Washing- 
ton), Chambersburg, Winchester, Ya., Stafford, 
Staunton, Berkeley, Jefferson, South Branch, Hills- 



128 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



boro, Boonsboro, Codorus Mission, Mercersburg, 
and Greencastle. He served in several of these 
places the second time. 

In 1837, 1838, and 1842 he held a supernu- 
merary relation ; in 1846 he became superannuated. 
He held this relation until his death. 

Some of these charges were among the most 
laborious known to the ministry of the Baltimore 
Conference ; but his devotion enabled him to give 
full proof of his calling. He was at Ebenezer, 
Washington, in 181 9. 

1820. 

George Wells. 

George Wells entered the Baltimore Conference 
in 1820 and was sent to Ebenezer. He was after- 
wards stationed at Baltimore Circuit, Prince George, 
Calvert, and Severn. He was superannuated two 
years and located in 1827. 

1821. 

John Mackelfresh. 

John Mackelfresh began his ministry in the 
Conference in the year 181 3, on Fairfax Charge. 
His subsequent appointments were Berkeley, Severn, 
Pittsburg, and Connellsville, Stafford, Montgomery, 
Frederick, Frederick Circuit, and Ebenezer. After 
his pastorate at Ebenezer he retired from the 
ministry, locating in 1822. 



Sketches of Pastors. 



1822, 1823. 

Yeeyerton T. Peyton. 

Yelverton T. Peyton was born in Stafford 
County, Ya., in 1797, and died in Baltimore, Md., 
January 15, 1831, in the thirty-fourth year of his 
age and the thirteenth of his ministry. He was 
converted in 181 5 and entered the traveling ministry 
in 1 81 8. His active ministry was only of eleven 
years' duration, but he was appointed to some of 
the most important charges in the Conference. In 
1829 he ruptured a blood-vessel, which was the 
probable cause of his subsequent sufferings and 
hasty dissolution. He took the superannuated re- 
lation in 1830. He was a man of remarkable 
zeal and spirituality, and a commensurate success 
attended his ministry. He was pastor of Ebenezer 
in 1822 and 1823. During his time the most remark- 
able revival the charge has ever seen took place. 
It had a lasting effect. His name is still mentioned 
with reverence. 



1824. 

Henry Seicer. 

Henry Slicer was born in Annapolis, Md., 
March 27, 1801, and died in Baltimore, Md., April 
23, 1874. He entered the Conference in 1822, and 
was granted a supernumerary relation in 1874, after 
fifty-two years of active service in the ministry, 
and only forty-three days before his death. He was 



130 Methodism in Washington, B.C. 



appointed pastor of Ebenezer from the Conference 
at which he was received into full membership and 
ordained deacon. His appointments may be classi- 
fied as follows : seven years on circuits, two years 
agent of the Metropolitan Church, Washington, 
D. C. ; eight years chaplain of Seaman's Union 
Bethel, Baltimore ; twenty years in stations, and 
fifteen years on districts. The times in which he 
lived and the places in which he pursued his 
ministry were a school in which he learned to 
practice skilfully the arts of controversy. 

During the Methodist Protestant defection he 
was a most active defender of our polity. While 
on the Potomac District he had a memorable con- 
troversy with the Baptists. He preached frequently, 
and wrote two pamphlets and a large treatise on 
the subject and mode of Baptism. They were 
useful contributions to the literature of the question. 
He was for seven sessions of Congress Chaplain to 
the Senate of the United States. 

When Representative Cilley was killed in a 
duel, Dr. Slicer, then pastor at Foundry, preached 
a sermon in which he freely expressed his opinion 
concerning this murder. A large edition of this 
discourse was printed and had an extensive circu- 
lation, and did much to bring this barbarous practice 
into disrepute. 

His ministry was with great boldness and 
plainness of speech and in his prime was attended 
w T ith extraordinary power. He was public-spirited 
and exerted an influence beyond the bounds of his 
own Church. He was a member of eight General 
Conferences, and was conspicuous and influential 



Sketches of Pastors. 



in all except the first. He was an advocate of 
total abstinence, and during twenty years delivered 
more addresses on this subject than any preacher 
in the country. He was a popular platform speaker, 
and was welcomed at anniversaries and other special 
occasions. His ministry was an instructive example 
of devotion to primitive Methodist usage and a 
w 7 ise discharge of official duties. 

1825. 

Robert S. Vinton. 

Robert Spencer Vinton died Sabbath, July 31, 
1870. We have no details of his early life. His 
ministry in the Baltimore Conference began in 181 8, 
and he continued in the effective ranks until 1865, 
when he became supernumerary, in which relation 
he continued until 1869, when he took the super- 
annuated relation. 

He had been preaching seven years when he 
became pastor at Ebeneser. After having served 
faithfully on circuits, in stations, and as presiding 
elder, he was during the war commissioned chap- 
lain in the United States Army, serving in the 
hospitals of Baltimore. He was so faithful in this 
office that many called him "the Model Chaplain." 
He was practical in his preaching, earnest and 
affectionate in his pulpit style, and throughout his 
ministry of fifty years bore a spotless reputation. 
His last days were marked by saintty resignation, 
and his death was one of peace. 



132 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



1826. 
Noryal Wilson. 

Norval Wilson was born at Morgantown, Ya., 
December 24, 1802, and entered the Baltimore 
Conference in 1821. He continued therein until 
1862, when he withdrew and became identified 
with the Methodst Episcopal Church South. During 
his connection with our Conference he filled many 
of the most important stations and was presiding 
elder several terms. He was a Conference leader. 
His influence was great. As a preacher he was at 
times remarkably effective, especially at camp- 
meetings. After his retirement from the active 
ministry he located at Winchester, Va. He died 
near Charlestown, W. Ya., August 9, 1876. 

Bishop A. W r . Wilson is his son, and Rev. F. 
H. Havenner is his grandson. He was a member 
of eight General Conferences while a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of one after 
he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church 
South. 

1827. 

William Ryland. 

This eminent minister of the Gospel was born 
in Ireland, in 1770, and began his ministry in the 
Baltimore Conference in 1802. He died January 
10, 1846. During his ministry he served nine years 
on circuits, eighteen years in stations, and seven- 
teen years as chaplain in the Navy of the United 



Sketches of Pastors. 133 

States. He was a minister approved by God, and 
uniformly successful in winning souls to Christ. 
Revivals generally followed his faithful preaching, 
and doubtless his reward in heaven will be very 
great 

The celebrated William Pinckney, who called 
him the greatest orator he had ever heard, secured 
his election to the chaplaincy of the United States 
Senate. He was re-elected four times. He was 
Chaplain of the House of Representatives one term. 
President Andrew Jackson gave him his intimate 
friendship and had him appointed to his naval 
chaplaincy. He was stationed at the Marine Bar- 
racks, Washington, and his work was very suc- 
cessful. 

His preaching was on the highest themes of 
the Gospel, which were enforced with an impas- 
sioned zeal, yet with an appropriate solemnity. 
His habits were very exact, his liberality was 
great, and his thoughtfulness for others most 
marked. 

Arranging for his own funeral, he provided that 
the pall-bearers, who were to be selected from 
among the Christian men of the Navy Yard, should 
be paid for their services and loss of time. John 
H. Wilkerson, at present a member of Fourth- 
Street Church, was one of the number. His death 
was triumphant, his last words declaring his trust 
in God. In Chapter Y. it is stated that Mr. 
Ryland was at Ebenezer in 1828. This error was 
discovered too late for correction. 



134 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



1828 and 1829. 
John L,. Gibbons, M. D. 

John L. Gibbons entered the ministry of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in 1822 and continued 
in the effective relation until 1844. From that date 
until i860 he was supernumerary. Re-entering the 
effective ranks, he was stationed at McKendree, 
Washington, in 1861. He was superannuated in 
1862, '63, '64; and in 1865 withdrew from the 
Church, uniting with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church South. He was a doctor of medicine. He 
died in Baltimore County, Md., in July, 1871. 

In Chapter Y. the pastorate of Mr. Gibbons is 
stated to have begun in 1829. This error was 
discovered too late to be corrected in that place. 

1830 and 1831. 

John Smith. 

John Smith, after a useful ministry of more 
than twenty-five years, died at Bladensburg, Md., 
April 10. 1 85 1, in the forty-ninth year of his age. 
He was admitted to the Conference in 1826. "He 
occupied some of the best stations, was for a term 
presiding elder of the Winchester District, and in 
every position maintained a uniform and untarnished 
character, ' ' 

He was the first Methodist preacher appointed 
to the chaplaincy of Seaman's Bethel, Baltimore, 
and held that post for six years. Here his success 



Sketches of Pastors. 



i3S 



was so marked as to make this period of his 
ministry remembered with greatest pleasure b}' his 
friends. 

In death, as in life, he had great enjoyment of 
the divine favor. A few hours before he passed 
away he shouted, "Glory be to God for the full- 
ness of the redemption that there is through the 
merits of the eternal Saviour. Glory ! glory ! who 
would not shout?" 

Revs. J. W and E. H. Smith, of the Baltimore 
Conference, are his sons. 

1832. 
Tobias Reiley. 

Tobias Reiley was born in Westmoreland 
County, Pa., in 1789, and died in Cumberland, 
Md., April 19, 1843. Blessed with an early reli- 
gious training, he was converted in his fourteenth 
year. He joined the Baltimore Conference in 1810, 
and remained a member until his death — a period 
of thirty-three years. 

His preaching was powerful and often eloquent 
and his ministry had many seals given to it in the 
conversion of sinners. In his last years he was 
greatly afflicted, but continued to work uutil com- 
pelled to ask a superannuated relation. Death 
ensued very shortly afterwards. His end was peace. 

He was pastor at Ebenezer in 1832. 



136 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



1833 and 1834. 

Henry S. Keppler. 

Henry S. Keppler entered the Baltimore Con- 
ference in 1827, and after an active ministry of 
nine years located in 1836 and entered the ministry 
of the Protestant Episcopal Church. 

1835. 

A. A. ESKRIDGE AND S. McMuLLEN. 

Alfred Augustus Eskridge was born in Centre- 
ville, Fairfax County, Va., March 1, 1798. He 
entered the Baltimore Conference in 1830. After 
the session held at Staunton. Va., in 1861, he 
withdrew and became identified with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church South. When he had been 
preaching five years he became the preacher in 
charge of Ebenezer. He died in Staunton, Va., 
January 16, 1891. He was the oldest member of 
the Conference. 

Solomon McMullen was born in Centre County, 
Pa., in 1808, and died in Shepherdstown, Va., 
November 20, 1863. He was converted in his 
seventeenth year. In 1832 he was admitted on 
trial in the Baltimore Conference. His active 
ministry covered a period of twenty-nine years. 

He was a pastor of untiring labors and a 
preacher of commanding and popular talents. He 
was a friend of unwavering integrity and a Christian 
of unimpeachable character. Many souls "were 
added unto the Lord," through his ministry. He 



Sketches of Pastors. 



T 37 



died from typhoid fever. His death was the triumph 
of one who reposed with absolute trust in the 
atonement. 

He was junior preacher at Ebenezer in 1835, 
having charge of the colored people. 

1836. 
Jacob Grubkr. 

Jacob, son of John and Plantina, Gruber, was 
born in Lancaster County, Pa., February 3, 1778, 
He was converted before he was fifteen years old. 
His religious profession and activity resulted twice 
in his expulsion from home. He entered the min- 
istry in i8co. 

Such was his efficiency that in 1806 Bishop 
Asbury appointed him presiding elder, and con- 
tinued him in that office seven years. He subse- 
quently served a full term on a district. He 
labored in the ministry with almost unparalleled 
zeal and industry for fifty years, without an inter- 
mission of four consecutive weeks at any one time 
from any cause whatever. He died May 25, 1850. 

Volumes have been written concerning this 
man of God. He possessed the strongest possible 
individuality, and left a mark on the times it is 
permitted but few men to make. To a mind of 
singular strength and originality he added an energy 
of character, a depth of piety, and a power of 
endurance that made him prodigious in labors and 
very useful. He was abstemious, simple, econom- 
ical, and regular in his habits. 



138 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



Thoroughly acquainted with the doctrines of 
Methodism, he never faltered in their defense. 
He was an expert in exposing false doctrine or 
unmasking false religion. At such times his lan- 
guage was pitiless in its severity. His ordinary 
pulpit ministrations were good, sometimes over- 
whelming. His wit was remarkable, and often so 
severe as to make him a terror even to his friends. 
But he was always ready to apply a cordial to any 
wounds he had made. 

With rigid economy he blended great liberality. 
He saved as an example and gave as as example. 
He had a commanding influence among his brethren. 

His death was one of the most beautiful in 
the annals of the Conference. He spoke with great 
composure of his approaching dissolution, and joy- 
fully awaited the summons of the Lord. His last 
wish was that if it could be ascertained when he 
was passing away a few of his brethren and sisters 
should be present and sing in chorus, "On Jordan's 
stormy banks I stand," &c. His wish was gratified. 

He was stationed at Ebenezer in 1836. He 
had a colleague that year. The General Minutes 
say it was Christopher Parkinson ; Gruber himself 
says it was Samuel Ellis. 

1837. 

B. N. Brown and Robert T. Nixon. 

Benjamin Newton Brown was born in Martins- 
burg, Ya., December 19, 1808, and died in Wash- 
ington, D. C, January 17, 1869. He was converted 



Sketclies of Pastors. 



!39 



on Sunday, January 17, 1824, and entered the 
Baltimore Conference at its session of 1833. Be- 
ginning his ministry with great fear, he was 
enabled to pursue it with delight, and for thirty-six 
years gave full proof of it. His endowments were 
of a high order. His preaching was sound, clear, 
logical, earnest, and fearless. He was a devout 
and constant student of the Bible, and possessed a 
mastery of religious subjects surpassing that of 
many whose advantages were greater. In the in- 
timacies of friendship he was genial in a rare 
degree. He was the central light of a home that 
was believed to be one of the brightest of earth. 
His death was a fitting close to his life. He 
frequently called for the reading of the Sixty-third 
Psalm and the twelfth chapter of Isaiah. He died 
commending Christ to those around him. He was 
secretary of the Conference two years. 

Robert T. Nixon united with the Conference 
in 1835. He was stationed at Ebenezer in 1837. 
His actice ministry continued, with the exception 
of one year, during which he was superannuated, 
until 1849, when he withdrew from the Conference 
'under censure for quitting the work assigned him. 



1838. 
B. N. Brown. 
For biographical sketch see for 1837. 



140 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



1839. 
George Hildt. 

George Hildt was born in Baltimore, Md., 
February 26, 1803, and died in the same city, 
March 7, 1882. He was received on trial in the 
Conference in 1826. His ministry covered a period 
of fifty-six years, thirty-five of which were spent 
in the effective ranks. His appointments indicate 
his standing as a minister of the Gospel. Of a 
sympathetic nature, he preached the Word most 
persuasively, and ever had a large place in the 
hearts of his people. His interest in all the enter- 
prises of the Church continued until the last. 

His death occurred just as his brethren gathered 
for the annual session of his Conference. He was 
able to say, "Not a cloud nor a doubt disturbs 
me." "The vail has grown so thin I can almost 
see through it." The funeral was held in the First 
Church, corner Fayette and Charles Streets. The 
Conference attended in a body. Bishop Wiley was 
also present. Rev. Issac P. Cook delivered the 
sermon. 

1840 and 1841. 

George G. Brooke, 

George G. Brooke was born in Fauquier County, 
Va., in 1808, and began his ministry in the Balti- 
more Conference in 1829. Among his classmates 
were Thomas B, vSargent, N. J. B. Morgan, and 



Sketches of Pastors. 



141 



James H. Brown. He withdrew from the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in 1862, and became- a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He was 
a man of deep piety, and had much success in his 
ministry. He died December 8, 1878, while pastor 
of Berryville Circuit. 

1842. 

James H. Brown, D. D., and Albert Baker. 

James H. Brown was born at Mt. Vernon, 
Lancaster County, Pa., August 20, 1807. He was 
converted at the Shrewsbury Camp-meeting, Sep- 
tember 5, 1826. In 1829 he united w r ith the 
Baltimore Conference and was sent to Bellefonte 
Circuit. He continued in the effective relation until 
1861 when he became supernumerary. 

He was a man of remarkable characteristics. 
A painstaking and constant student, his mind was 
stored with knowledge that w T as both varied and 
accurate. As a preacher, debater, and controversi- 
alist he held a high place among the strong men 
of his times. The love he bore to his Church and 
his country was second only to his love for Christ, 
and he was ever ready to defend both. 

He was at Ebenezer in 1842 and 1843. This 
pastorate was distinguished by his successful defense 
of our doctrines against the attacks of Mr. Van 
Horseigh, a Romish priest; a Mr. Donlon, who 
had pnblicly assailed Methodism, and the mischiev- 
ous teachings of the Millerites. He was a delegate 



142 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



to the General Conference of i860 at Buffalo, N. Y. 
He died March 15, 1886. His funeral took place 
from the Broadway Church, where for a long time 
before his death he was accustomed to worship. 

Albert Baker was born in Baltimore, Md., 
September 15, 1820. He was converted in January, 
1835, an d began his brief ministry in the Confer- 
ence in 1839. He was a diligent student and an 
arduous laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. He 
was appointed junior preacher at Ebenezer in 1842. 
Taken sick in July of that year, he lingered until 
October 19 and exclaiming, "All is well," ceased 
to breathe. He died in his twenty-second year. 



1843. 

James H. Brown and Zachariah Jordan. 

For biographical sketch of J. H. Brown see 
above. 

Zachariah Jordan was born in Baltimore Count}', 
Maryland, January 19, 1796. He was in his twenty- 
seventh year when he was converted. He became 
a traveling preacher in 1829 and continued to testify 
of the Gospel of the grace of God until September, 
1843, when through an attack of dysentery he was 
compelled to desist from labor. He died October 
3, 1843. Like his predecessor, he died while junior 
preacher of Ebenezer and the assistant of James 
H. Brown. 



Sketches of Pastors. 



i43 



1844. 

E. P. Phelps. 

Elisha Payne Phelps entered the Baltimore Con- 
ference in 1835 and continued a member thereof 
until the formation of the Virginia Conference, when 
he became a member of that body. He located in 
1876 and practised law in Washington, D. C, where 
he died April, 1887. He was a lay delegate to 
the General Conference of 1880 from the Virginia 
Conference. 

He was pastor of Ebenezer in 1844 and subse- 
quently presiding elder of the district, including 
Washington. 



1845 atl d 1846. 
Oliver Ege. 

Oliver Ege joined the Baltimore Conference in 
1827. His name continued upon its roll until 1868, 
when at the formation of the Central Pennsylvania 
Conference he became identified with it. His min- 
istry covered the extended period of sixty-two years. 
He died at Mechanicsburg, Pa., August 9, 1889. 

During his pastorate at Ebenezer he planted 
Methodism at what is now Anacostia. He was 
afflicted a long time before his death. 

* 



i44 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



1847 and 1848. 
William Prettyman, 

William Prettyman died in Milford, Delaware, 
Jul) r 21, 1875, in the eighty-third year of his age. 
He was converted during the early part of the cen- 
tury and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church ; he 
immediately began to seek the more advanced ex- 
periences of the Christian life, and to the end of his 
life held fast the grace whereunto he had attained. 

In 1 81 4 he was received on trial in the Phila- 
delphia Conference ; in 1819 he was transferred to 
the Baltimore Conference and remained therein until 
his death. He gave fifty-three years of effective 
service to the ministry. He was a member of the 
General Conference of 1836. 

At the age of seventy- five he took a superan- 
nuated relation to the Conference. He continued 
to preach with energy and power through the years 
of his superannuation. His preaching led many to 
repentance and edified the body of Christ. His 
last illness lasted only a few hours. He died 
from paralysis. His three sons became ministers. 
One of them, Wesley, *was our first missionary to 
Bulgaria, where he served seven years. 

1849. 

George W. Israel. 

George Washington Israel was born October 
27, 1 81 3. He entered the traveling ministry in 
1838. Among his classmates were Bishop Thomas 



Ske telle s of Pastors. 



i45 



Bowman and Drs. John Lanahan and Thomas 
Sewall, Jr. He did effective work until 1857, when 
he retired to the superannuated relation. His health 
was never afterward sufficiently restored to enable 
him to resume the work of an active ministry. 
He was a man of fine mind, with a decided genius 
for patient study. His spiritual qualities were as 
strongly marked, and he daily communed with 
God. He died near Clarksburg, Md., November 
25, 1 89 1, after an illness of two weeks. 

During his pastorate at Ebenezer he was pros- 
trated with sickness and was compelled to resign 
his charge, and Joseph White, a superannuated 
member of the Conference, served it the remainder 
of the year. 

1850 and 1851. 

Thomas Myers, D. D. 

Thomas Myers was born in Georgetown, D. C, 
May 18, 1813. He was converted at Lewisburg, 
Ya., August 25, 1 831, while reading the Parable 
of the Prodigal Son, in the loft of the store in 
which he was employed. He was licensed to ex- 
hort, April 25, 1834, and to preach, November 22 
of the same year. Feeling the ministry to be his 
life-work, he made diligent use of such advantages 
as he had to prepare himself for it. Refusing a 
flattering business offer made by an uncle and 
brother, he entered the Conference in 1835, having 
previously supplied Pocahontas and Augusta Circuits 
for a vShort time. 



146 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



After fifty-seven years of service lie still holds 
an effective relation to the Conference, and is 
deeply interested in all the enterprises of the 
Church. His salary was one hundred dollars a 
year, besides board, for the first seven years, out 
of which, by judicious management, he saved from 
thirty to thirty-five dollars each year. He has 
always manifested the same thrift and economy. 

During his long ministry he has preached the 
Gospel in the States of Pennsylvania, Maryland, 
and Virginia. While stationed at Lewistown, Pa., 
in 1842, the charge was visited with a remarkable 
revival of religion. The membership was more 
than doubled. The entire community was awak- 
ened. All the churches were quickened. The 
Roman Catholic priest sometimes attended the 
services. He became convicted, and his bishop, 
hearing of it, removed him. Dr. Myers has had 
revivals in all his charges. While at Ebenezer 
thirteen Roman Catholics were converted at the 
revivals that occurred ; some of whom still live and 
are true to the Church of their adoption. 

He projected and nearly completed the old 
parsonage on Seventh Street and paid all the debt 
that had been incurred. 

Among his appointments were City Station, 
Annapolis, Cumberland, Strawbridge, and Colum- 
bia-Avenue. He was agent of the Maryland Bible 
Society from 1862 to 1868. In 1886 he was again 
elected agent of that Society and has sole charge 
of all its interests. In this position he finds a 
congenial sphere of labor and is regarded efficient 
by those to whom he is responsible. 



Sketches of Pastors. 



J 47 



1852 and 1853. 

R. M. Lipscomb. 

Robert M. Lipscomb was born at Georgetown, 
D. C, February 19, 1807. He was converted 
September 4, 1827, and was received on trial in 
the Baltimore Conference in 1831. He died at 
Baltimore, Md., February 5, 1890. His active 
ministry continued until 1867, when be became 
supernumerary. In 1868 he became superannuated 
and did not afterward have any other relation. 
His life was pure, his spirit sweet, his labors 
abundant, and full of fruit. As a preacher he was 
evangelical and practical, clear and concise. His 
end was so full of peace that he was heard to 
exclaim: "Is this earth or heaven? If it be earth, 
it must be that part which is nearest heaven." 

1854. 

A. G. Chenoweth and Raeph Pierce. 

Alfred Griffith Chenoweth was born near Win- 
chester, Ya., February 9, 1809 ; entered the Con- 
ference in 1834. In 1855, at the close of his 
pastorate at Ebenezer, he was transferred to the 
Northwest Indiana Conference and stationed at 
Greencastle. He was subsequently presiding elder 
of the Terre Haute and Indianapolis Districts. He 
died suddenW of congestion of the heart, near 
Greencastle, Ind., April 25, 1864. His character 
was beautiful, and his ministry successful. During 



148 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



the Civil War, for three months, he was guide to 
the Union Army in the Shenandoah Valley. 

Ralph Pierce was received on trial in the 
Baltimore Conference in 1853. After serving at 
Ebenezer he was transferred to the Black River 
Conference. June 1, 1857, he sailed for India in 
company with J. L. Humphreys, and was engaged 
in pastoral and educational work in that mission 
field for several years. Returning to America in 
1865, he spent four years in Northern and Central 
New York. In 1869 he removed to East Tennessee 
and spent fifteen years in pastoral and educational 
work in the Holston Conference. For the past 
eight years he has been a member of the Central 
Tennessee Conference, and is now closing his sixth 
year as presiding elder of the Nashville District. 
He is sixty-five years of age. 



1855 and 1856. 

F. H. RlCHEY. 

Francis H. Richey w T as born in York County, . 
Pa., August 26, 181 7, and entered the Baltimore 
Conference in 1843. He withdrew in 1862 and 
became identified with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church South. He died in Woodstock, Ya., Feb- 
ruary 21, 1 89 1. He was abundant in labors at 
Fourth Street. 



Sketches of Pastors, 



149 



1857 and 1858. 

W. H. Chapman. 

William H. Chapman was admitted on trial in 
the Baltimore Conference in 1848. His appoint- 
ments have been as follows : Montgomery, East 
Harford, Great Falls, Havre-de-Grace, Westminster, 
Leesburg, East Washington, Union Square (two 
terms), South Baltimore, Georgetown, D. C, Wes- 
ley Chapel, Baltimore (two terms), Emory, High- 
Street, Exeter-Street, East Baltimore District, Har- 
ford Avenue, Ryland, Union, and Martinsburg. 
He is now pastor at the last-named place. While 
stationed at Ebenezer he built the present church, 
and the name of the charge was then changed to 
East Washington. 

1859 and i860. 

W. M. D. Ryan, M. D. 

William M. D. Ryan was born in Virginia, 
April 14, 181 1, and died at York, Pa., January 4, 
1872. He was twenty-eight years old at his con- 
version, which occurred at a camp-meeting near 
Newark, Ohio, w 7 hither he had removed. Within 
one hour after his conversion he was preaching the 
Gospel. He joined the Ohio Conference in the 
Fall of 1839. He subsequently was a member, by 
transfer, of the Rock River, Philadelphia, East 
Baltimore, Baltimore, and Central Pennsylvania 
Conferences. He was a man of much prayer and 



150 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



a successful revivalist. Five thousand conversions 
occurred under his ministry. He was a great 
church builder. He once announced to his con- 
gregation that the\' would meet on a certain day 
to build a church. They met and actually had a 
log church ready for occupancy in three days. He 
built the Wabash- Avenue Church in Chicago, and 
the present Foundry at Washington, D. C. He 
built the church at Anacostia. His pastorate at 
East Washington was a pronounced success. 



1861. 

J. Laxahax, D. D. 

John Lanahan entered the Baltimore Confer- 
ence in 1838, and at the present time still holds 
an effective relation, having charge of the Book 
Depository in Baltimore. He is known throughout 
the Church and has a commanding influence in all 
its Councils. Elected to the General Conference 
of 1856, he has served in every subsequent one, 
making ten in all. This is a distinction no other 
person in the Church enjoys. He was Assistant 
Book Agent at New York from 1868 to 1872. 
Besides serving important stations in Baltimore and 
Washington, he has spent twenty years in the 
presiding eldership. He was pastor of President 
Hayes and family while stationed at the Foundry 
the second time. During the Civil War he was a 
valued counsellor of the government, and rendered 
invaluable service to the Methodist Episcopal Church 



Sketches of Pastors. 



on the border. He was a member of the Second 
Ecumenical Conference, held at Washington, D. C, 
October, 1891. He was appointed to his present 
position in March, 1888. 

1862 and 1863. 

T. H. W. Monroe. 

Thomas H. W. Monroe was born in Fairfax 
County, Va., October 11, 1804, and died in Balti- 
more, Md., July 28, 1864, being at that time pastor 
of Fayette-Street Church. He was admitted on trial 
in the Conference in 1827, and during a ministry 
of thirty-seven years filled a number of important 
stations, and served two terms as presiding elder. 
His term of service at Fourth-Street, then East 
Washington, was one of great difficulty, arising out 
of the Civil War, but he was able to keep the 
organization intact and maintain regular services. 
He sowed in tears and reaped in joy. His last 
illness was short. His parting words to his wife 
were, "Be faithful," and to his children, "Trust, 
trust, trust." 

1864 and 1865. 
H. N. Sipes. 

Henry N. Sipes was born in Fulton County, 
Pa., in 1833. He united with the Conference in 
1854. His ministry lasted only eleven years, eight 



152 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



of which were spent in Washington, including two 
years in the chaplaincy of the United States Peniten- 
tiary. He was greatly beloved. His ministry at 
East Washington was marked by large congrega- 
tions and an extensive revival. He died June 20, 
1865. He was pronounced at his death one of the 
best men of the Conference. He was a Christian 
patriot. After one of the great Union victories of 
the Civil War he was asked by a crowd he was 
passing to address them, but instead he called for 
the doxology, which was heartily sung. He suf- 
fered greatly during his last sickness, but had a 
triumphant death. 



1866 and 1867. 

G. V. Leech, D. D. 

George V. Leech was removed from Waugh 
to Fourth-Street, then East Washington, upon the 
death of H. N. Sipes, and besides filling out the 
year 1865 remained in the pastorate two full years. 
He joined the Conference in 1856. His appoint- 
ments have been as follows: Berryville, West 
Loudon, Jefferson, Rockingham, Lewisburg Station, 
East Rockingham, Gorsuch, Waugh, East Wash- 
ington, South Baltimore, West River, Piedmont, 
Westminster, Union, Martinsburg, Annapolis (First 
Church), Frederick, Frostburg, and Govanstown. 
In 1879 ne was reappointed to Fourth-Street 
and remained three years. He is now pastor at 
Govanstown. 



Sketches of Pastors. 



i53 



1868 and 1869. 

W. H. Hoixiday, D. D. 

William Harrison Holliday was born in Berke- 
ley County, W. Va., August 31, 1835, and died 
in Baltimore, Md., March 23, 1878, while pastor 
of Harford-Avenue Station. In 1855 he entered 
the Baltimore Conference, and remained therein 
until his death, with the exception of one year 
spent in the Iowa Conference. Besides serving in 
several important stations, he was presiding elder 
of Winchester District, where his administration 
was marked by a brilliant success. In all his 
charges he was abundant in labors, and had 
uniform success. His last words were, "O Lamb 
of God, I come. The Lamb! the Lamb! the 
Lamb!" 



1870 and 1871. 

W. T. D. ClyKMM. 

William T. D. Clemm entered the traveling 
ministry in 1840, and is now a supernumerary mem- 
ber of the Baltimore Conference. He has served 
as pastor of the following charges : Williamsburg, 
Berwick, Bellefonte Circuit, Northumberland, West 
River, Rockville, East Harford, Caroline-Street, 
York, Cumberland, Summerfield, City Station, An- 
napolis, Ellicott City, Alexandria. Winchester Dis- 
trict, East Washington, Patapsco, Jefferson-Street, 
Hereford, Towson, and Catonsville. Though not 



154 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



in the effective relation he preaches constantly 
and with unabated vigor. He preached a semi- 
centennial sermon before the Conference at its 
session at Cumberland, March, 1890. He is very 
active in the cause of prohibition. 



1872. 

C. McElvFRESH. 

Charles McElfresh was born in Montgomery 
County, Md., in 1819. He died at Waverly, Md., 
July 19, 1887. Entering the Conference in 1844, 
he ran his ministerial course with a success that 
made him a man of mark among his brethren. 
For fourteen years before his death he had been 
chaplain of the Seaman's Union Bethel of Balti- 
more. His success in this field made him the 
worthy successor of Francis McCartney and Henry 
Slicer. He was a man of rare judgment, wise, and 
affectionate. His sermons "were redolent with the 
sweet perfume of personal holiness." 

1873. 

C. McElfresh and A. J. Giix. 

For sketch of C. McElfresh see above. 

A. J. Gill entered the Baltimore Conference 
in 1869. His appointments have been as follows: 
Hancock, South Branch, Kingsley, Fourth-Street, 



Sketches of Pastors. 



155 



Bunker Hill, Calvert, Ellicott City, Patapsco, Wood- 
berry, Eutaw-Street, and Frederick. He is now 
pastor at the latter place. 

1874. 

J. E. Amos. 

John E. Amos began his ministry in 1859, and 
has served the following charges, viz. : Middle- 
town, Hancock, High-Street, Caroline-Street, Hamp- 
stead, Westminster, North Baltimore, Strawbridge, 
Hagerstown, Fourth-Street, First Church (Anna- 
polis), Martinsburg, Jackson Square, Woodberry, 
Wesley Chapel (Baltimore), West Baltimore District, 
Dunbarton- Avenue, and Canton, where he is now 
pastor. 

1875 an ^ 1876. 

J. W. Hedges. 

John W. Hedges dates his ministry from 1845, 
and is still in the effective relation, being pastor 
of South Baltimore Mission. The following is a 
list of his appointments: Springfield, Franklin, 
Greenbrier, Rockingham, Agent Wesley an Female 
Institute, Ryland, Lexington Circuit, Rockbridge, 
Jefferson-Street, Emory, Lewisburg, Shrewsbury, 
Caroline-Street, Jackson-Square, Westminster, Frank- 
lin-Street, Annapolis, Fourth-Street, Calvert, Great 
Falls, Savage and Guilford, and South Baltimore 
Mission. He was Sunday-school and Tract Agent 



156 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



for six years. He has published a volume of me- 
moirs of preachers called ''Crowned Victors." 

1877 and 1878. 

B. G. W. Reid. 

Burgess G. W. Reid was one of a class of 
twenty-one preachers who were admitted on trial in 
the Baltimore Conference, at Light-Street Church, 
in March, 1856. He has since served the follow- 
ing charges : Hancock, Frederick Circuit, Boons- 
boro, Frostburg Circuit, Rainsburg, Alleghany, 
Liberty, Harford-Avenue, Bedford, Winchester, 
Hanover-Street, Hagerstown , Fourth-Street, Jeffer- 
son-Street, Caroline-Street, Reisterstown, East Har- 
ford Station, and Emory. He is now serving his 
fourth year at the last-named place. 

1879, 1880, and 1881. 

G. V. Leech, D. D. 

For biographical sketch see for the years 1866 
and 1867. 

1882, 1883, and 1884. 

J. France, D. D. 

Joseph France was born in Baltimore, Md., 
August 26, 1 8 19, and died in Hagerstown, Md. ? 
July 27. 1889, while on a visit to his son. Rev, 



Sketches of Pastors. 



!S7 



H. S. France. At his death he had been a Chris- 
tian sixty years, and a minister of the Gospel 
forty-seven years. As a man Dr. France was calm 
and forbearing; as a Christian, gentle, loving, trust- 
ing ; as an administrator, judicious ; as a preacher, 
evangelical, clear, and earnest ; as a friend, 
thoughtful and sympathetic. His end befitted his 
life. It was a holy triumph over pain and death, 
He was greatly beloved at Fourth-Street, where 
he served a full term. 

1885, 1886, and 1887. 

M. F. B. Rice. 

Martin F. B. Rice began his ministry in the 
East Baltimore Conference in 1868 The next year, 
through a change in Conference boundaries, he was 
placed within the bounds of the Baltimore Confer- 
ence. He has served the following charges : An- 
tietam, Liberty, Linganore, Grace (Washington), 
North Baltimore, Appold, Towson, Martinsburg, 
Jefferson-Street, Fourth-Street, Dunbar ton- Avenue, 
and Union Square, where he is now pastor. The 
present handsome parsonage at Fourth-Street was 
built during his pastorate. 

1888, 1889, 1890, and 1891. 

W. M. Ferguson. 

William M. Ferguson was licensed to preach 
July 1, 1868, and supplied the Mercersburg Circuit 



158 Methodism in Wasliington, D. C. 



until March, 1869, when he was received on trial 
in the Baltimore Conference. He has served in the 
following appointments: Hampstead, Union Bridge 
and Middleburg, Linganore, Catonsville, Winches- 
ter, Va. ; West River, Baltimore Circuit, Reisters- 
town, North Baltimore, Fourth-Street, and South 
Baltimore. He is now pastor of the latter place. 

1892. 

W. F. Speake and W. J. Thompson. 

William F. Speake was born in Baltimore in 
1 83 1 and was admitted on trial in the Conference 
in 1850. During his ministry of forty-two years 
he served in many important stations, and a term 
each on the Washington and East Baltimore Dis- 
tricts. He was a delegate to the General Confer- 
ence of 1888, and an alternate delegate to that of 
1892. He was for four years a representative of 
the Sixth General Conference District on the Gen- 
eral Missionary Committee. He died suddenly on 
Sunday, May 15. The particulars are given else- 
where. 

William J. Thompson entered the Conference 
in 1887. After serving on Hampstead Circuit for 
tw r o years he attended Drew Theological Seminary, 
graduating at the last commencement. He was 
appointed to Walkersville at the last session of the 
Conference, but was removed to Fourth-Street 
after the death of brother Speake. 



Sketches of Pastors. 



i59 



Presiding Elders. 

The following is a list of the presiding elders 
the charge has had and the districts with which 
it has been connected : 

Baltimore District. — 1802-3, Wilson Lee. 

Alexandria District. — 1804, Daniel Hitt; 1805-6, 
Enoch George. 

Baltimore District. — 1807-8-9, Nelson Reed. 

Potomac District. — 1810, Hamilton Jefferson. 

Georgetown District. — 1811-12 - 13-14, Nelson 
Reed; 1815, Enoch George. 

Potomac District. — 1816-17-18, Joseph Frye. 

Baltimore District. — 1819-20, Stephen G. Roszel. 

Potomac District. — 1821-22, Christopher Frye; 
1823-24, Daniel Hitt. 

Baltimore District. — 1825-26-27, Joseph Frye; 
1828-29-30-31, Christopher Frye; 1832-33-34-35, Al- 
fred Griffith; 1836-37-38-39, John Davis; 1840-41- 
42-43, Norval Wilson; 1844, John A. Collins. 

Potomac District. — 1845-46, Thomas B. Sargent: 
1847-48-49-50, William Hamilton; 1851-52-53-54, 
Norval Wilson; 1855-56-57-58, John Lanahan. 

Washington District — 1859-60-61, L. F. Morgan; 
1862-63-64-65, E. P. Phelps; 1866-67-68-69, N. J. 
B. Morgan; 1870-71, James A. McCauley ; 1872-73, 
John Lanahan, 1874-75-76-77, W. F. Speake ; 1878, 
79*-8o-8i, B. P. Brown; 1882-87,-84, John S. Deale ; 
1885-86-87-88-89-90, J. McKendree Reiley ; 1891-92, 
H. R. Naylor. 



CHAPTER XI. 



1802. NINETIETH ANNIVERSARY. 1892. 



" This is my birthday , and a happier one ivas never mine.' 1 ' 1 — Longfellow. 



The historic position in American Methodism 
held by the Fourth-Street Church made it appro- 
priate that its ninetieth anniversary should be 
celebrated. The proposition being presented to the 
leaders and stewards' meeting, a committee, con- 
sisting of George R. Cook, Robert W. Dunn, and 
Thomas B. Stahl, was appointed, with the pastor, 
to arrange for the event. The entire church 
heartily co-operated in the movement and made 
the occasion worthy of the cause. 

The week beginning Februar}^ 14 was selected 
as the time for holding the exercises. A souvenir 
program was prepared and sent to every member 
of the church. These programs, with cards of invi- 
tation to the anniversary, were also sent to all the 
friends of the church, so far as they were known. 
The enthusiasm awakened was so great that crowds 
attended, especially on Sunday, when the church, 



Nine tic tli A n nil 'ersary . 



161 



althongh spacious, would not accommodate them. 
The audience-room of the church was handsomely 
decorated with palms, and back of the pulpit were 
the dates "1802" and "1892," made of flowers. 
The wall and pillars of the lecture-room were 
gracefully festooned with national flags, which had 
been supplied by the government for the occa- 
sion, the work being done by brother De Witt 
Fowler. 

The anniversary was preceded on Sunday, 
February 7, by a historical sermon, by the pastor, 
W. M. Ferguson, the text being I. Samuel vii. 12. 
"Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between 
Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben- 
ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." 

On Sunday, February 14, at 11 a. m., Rev. 
M. F. B. Rice, pastor in 1885-87, preached from 
"And he said unto them, It is written, My house 
shall be called the house of prayer." — Matthew 
xxi. 13. The music at this service was special, 
and very finely rendered. The choir, led by Mr. 
Ruloff R. Strattan, was assisted by singers from 
several of the Methodist churches of the city, and 
by a number of instruments. 

At 3 p. m. a reunion love-feast was held, led 
by Rev. Thomas Myers, D. D., pastor in 1850-51. 
Many testimonies were given. It was an occasion 
of much interest. 

At 7.30 p. m., the anniversary of the Sunday- 
school Missionary Society was held. Prayer was 
offered by Rev. W. W. Buck, a member of Ham- 
line Church. The music was furnished by the 
school and choir. Rev. M. F. B. Rice delivered 



162 



Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



the address. There were also recitations by the 
scholars. 

On Monday, February 15, at 7.30 p. m., Rev. 
B. G. W. Reid, pastor in 1877-78, preached. The 
text was: "In whom ye also trusted after that 
ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your 
salvation; in whom also, after that ye believed, ye 
were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." — 
Ephesians i. 13. 

The opening prayer was offered by Rev. J. 
Wesley Boteler, of the Methodist Church South, 
who also led the congregation in singing, after 
the sermon, the hymn having the chorus, "There'll 
be no sorrow there. 

On Tuesday, February 16, at 7.30 p. m., Rev. 
W. H. Chapman, pastor in 1857-58, preached. 
Text, "Jesus saith unto him: Thomas, because 
thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed : blessed 
are they that have not seen and yet have believed." 
— John xx. 29. 

On Wednesday, February 17, at 7.30 p. m., a 
Pastors' Reunion and Reception was held. Rev. J. 
W. Hedges, pastor in 1875-76, presided. The music 
was very fine, the choir being again assisted by 
the generous friends of the previous Sabbath. The 
pastor delivered an address of welcome. The re- 
sponses were made by Rev. W. T. D. Clemm and 
Rev. Dr. H. R. Naylor, presiding elder of Wash- 
ington District ; after which the great audience 
passed before the altar and shook hands with 
the preachers, who were ranged behind it. The 
preachers present were Revs. H. R. Naylor, E. D. 
Owen, S. Shannon, G. V. Leech, J. E. Amos, 



Ninetieth Anniversary . 



E. Richardson, W. T. D. Clemm, M. F. B. Rice, 
W. M. Osborne, J. H. M. Lemmon, B. G. W. Reid, 
W. H. Chapman, J. E. Nicholson, of the Methodist 
Protestant Church, and W. M. Ferguson. The 
congregation was then invited to retire to the 
lecture-room to partake of refreshments, and nearly 
one thousand persons were served. This part of 
the evening's program was under the supervision 
of the ladies of the church, who did their work so 
well as to meet the entire expense of the occasion 
and leave a handsome surplus, which was passed 
to the treasurer of the Board of Stewards. The 
Epworth League assisted the ladies in serving the 
guests. The evening was a perfect success. 

On Thursday, February 18, at 7.30 p. m., Rev. 
G. Y. Leech, D. D., pastor in 1866-67 and 1879-81, 
preached. His text was "Brethren, I count not 
myself to have apprehended, but this one thing I 
do, forgetting those things which are behind, and 
reaching forth unto those things which are before, 
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high 
calling of God in Christ Jesus." — Philippians iii. 
13. 14. 

On Friday, February 19, at 7.30 p. m., Rev. 
W. T. D. Clemm, pastor in 1870-71, preached 
from the text "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and 
all that is within me bless His holy name." — 
Psalm ciii. 1. 

On Sunday, February 21, at 11 a. m.. Rev. 
John Lanahan, D. D., pastor in 1861, occupied the 
pulpit, preaching from I. Corinthians iii. 21-23 — 
"For all things are yours, whether Paul, or Apollos, 
or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things 



164 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



present, or things to come ; all are yours, and ye 
are Christ's, and Christ is God's. " 

At 3 p. m. a Sunday-school re-union was held. 
In the large audience there were representatives 
from the Tenth-Street, Anacostia, and Twelfth- 
Street Methodist Episcopal, and the Virginia- Avenue 
Methodist Protestant Sunday-schools. The pastor 
presided. Addresses were delivered by Rev. E. 
Richardson, of Anacostia, and Rev. J. C. Nichol- 
son of the Methodist Protestant Church. Rev. G. 
W. Havell conducted the singing. A number of 
brethren, who had been, or were then, superin- 
tendents of the schools represented, occupied chairs 
in the altar. A very handsome bouquet was pre- 
sented to the mother-school by brother Linger, 
superintendent at Anacostia. It was a delightful 
occasion. 

At 7.30 p. m., Rev. John E. Amos, pastor in 
1874, preached the final sermon of the anniversary. 
His test was Ephesians iii. 17: "That Christ may 
dwell in your hearts by faith." 

From first to last the anniversary exercises 
were interesting and profitable. People attended 
from all sections of the city. Letters were received 
from various parts of the country from persons 
who had formerly belonged to the station. The 
press of the city gave daily reports of the services. 
The Evening Star published the historical sermon, 
with but little abbreviation, and illustrated with 
pictures of the Ebenezer and the present Fourth- 
Street Churches. 

During the week two registers were kept open 
to receive the names of visitors, and many were 



Ninetieth Anniversary. 



recorded. The contributions were given as a 
thanks-offering and were liberal. This anniversary 
awakened much interest in the church and gave it 
a stronger hold upon the community. 

The following is a list of the church officers, as 
published in the program of the anniversary : 
Rev. John F. Hurst, D. D., LL. D., Resident Bishop. 
Rev. H. R. Naylor, D. D., Presiding Elder. 
Rev. W. M. Ferguson, Pastor. 

Rev. W. M. Osborne, A. M., M. D., Supernumerary. 

Local Preachers.- — Rev. John L. Haughe, Rev. 
Richard Emmons, Rev. G. W. Havell, Rev. J. D. 
Bradburn. John H. Wilkerson, exhorter. 

Class- Leaders. — Overton Tolson, W. F. Dove, 
Pastor, T. B. Stahl, John H. Wilkerson, R. W. 
Dunn, George R. Cook, Emma J. Thomas. 

Stewards. — George R. Cook, E. F. Casey, J. 
S. Moffatt, W. F. Dove, T. B. Stahl, R. W. Dunn, 
F. A. Belt, W. H. Bohannon, M. T. Dixon. 

Trustees. — Fourth- Street : Theodore Sniffin, E. 
F. Casey, R. W. Dunn, F. A. Belt, T. E. Traz- 
zare, J. T. Harrison, R. E. Cook, M. Otterback, 
A. A. Chapin. 

Tenth-Street: R. W. Dunn, R. C. Griffin, W. 
D. Campbell, George Thorn, M. T. Dixon. P. B. 
Otterback, W. R. Speeden, G. W. Dunn, William 
Mathis. 



APPENDIX A. 



THE 

METHODIST CHURCHES OF WASHINGTON. 



Methodist Episcopal Churches. 



Baltimore Conference* 

Dunbarton- Avenue Church is oiie of the 
oldest Methodist societies in America. It was the 
first established in the District of Columbia. Robert 
Williams introduced Methodism into this region in 
1772. The first church was built on Montgomery 
Street, probably in the year 1795. I* was thirty 
by forty feet, and "of very ordinary finish." In 
1849 the present church on Dunbarton Avenue was 
built, largely through the instrumentality of Henry 
Slicer. It was dedicated, July 3, 1850, during the 
pastorate of John Lanahan. Dunbarton- Avenue 
Church became one of the churches of Washing- 
ton City when, in 1878, Georgetown became a part 
of the National Capital. The first trustees were 
Lloyd Beall, Richard Parrott, Samuel Williams, 



The Methodist Churches of Washington. 167 



Isaac Owens, Richard Beck, George Collard, and 
Peter Miller. The statistics for 1892 are as follows : 
Probationers, 13; full members, 306; value of 
church, $15,000 ; value of parsonage, $5,500 ; scholars, 
in Sunday-school, 232 ; officers and teachers, 36. 
Rev. George Elliott, D. D., is the present pastor. 

Foundry is a branch of the Georgetown Station. 
The society was organized in 1815 and became a 
separate charge in 181 7, with Thomas Burch as 
pastor. The first house of worship was presented 
to the society by Henry Foxall as a thank-offering 
to God for the providential deliverance of his 
foundry from destruction during the second war 
with Great Britain. The board of trustees consists 
of the following persons: W. J. Sibley, B. H. 
Stinemetz, J. E. Clokey, W. E. Chandlee, Hiram 
Price, A. M. Smith, E. H. King, R. H. Willet, 
T. A. Harding. The statistics for 1892 are as 
follows: Probationers, 12; full members, 616 ; value 
of church, $80,000; value of parsonage, $10,500; 
scholars in Sunday-school, 369 ; officers and teachers, 
45. There have been forty-two pastors. Rev. 
Oliver A. Brown, D. D., is the present incumbent. 

Wesley Chapel was organized in 1828, in 
Masonic Hall, corner Fourth Street and Louisiana 
Avenue N. W. The society was composed of 
members who had removed from Foundry and 
Ebenezer. In 1829 a church was built. The society 
was connected with Foundry until 1838, when it 
became a separate charge, with George G. Cook- 
man, pastor. In T856 the present church was built. 



1 68 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



The trustees are W. R. Woodward, M. B. Gordon, 
T. W. Fowler, C. W, Hugueley, L. Y. Ellis, Levi 
Rosenbaum, H. M. Dallinger, B. H. Duvall, B. 
S. Piatt. Statistics for 1892: Probationers, 70; full 
members, 364; value of church, $120,000; scholars 
in Sunday-school, 311 ; officers and teachers, 42. 
Rev. L. B. Wilson, M. D., D. D., is now pastor. 

Ryland Church was organized in 1843. The 
society was composed of fifty-four members, twenty- 
eight having come from Foundry and twenty-six 
from Wesley Chapel. Charles E. Brown was the 
first pastor. He died in 1844, and French S. Evans 
filled the unexpired term of five months. The 
present board of trustees consists of L. C. White, 
F. A. Gee, H. L. Strang, J. S. P. Green, Jacob 
Been, J. T. West, W. F. Walker, T. P. Stephenson, 
S. C. Carter. Statistics for 1892 : Probationers, 
90; full members, 317; value of church, $25,000; 
value of parsonage, $5,000; scholars in Sunday- 
school, 371 ; officers and teachers, 30. Rev. Job. 

A. Price, D. D., is pastor at present. 

McKendree Chnrch was organized in 1845, 
with William G. Eggleston as pastor. The trustees 
in 1 85 1, who are supposed to have been the 
original trustees, were French S. Evans, John C. 
Harkness, John Thomas Walker, Zephaniah Jones, 
and Asa Gladmon. The present trustees are Zepha- 
niah Jones, A. O. Latham, George E. Gartrell, A. 

B. Brown, William P. White, Herbert P. Pillsbury, 
Thomas D. Lewis, Charles E. Hodgkins, and L. 
W. Worthington. The statistics for 1892 are: Pro- 



The Methodist Churches in Washington. 169 

bationers, 57; full members, 374; value of church, 
$30,000; value of parsonage, $5,000; Sunday-school 
scholars, 244; officers and teachers, 49. The present 
pastor is Rev. L. T, Widerman, D. D. 

Union Church is an offshoot from Foundry. 
At a meeting, held February 13, 1846, with Rev, 
C. A. Davis in the chair, and John O. P. Degges 
secretary, steps were taken to organize the society. 
The following persons were chosen trustees : C. A. 
Davis, Robert W. Bates, George T. McGlue, Joseph 
Francis, and W. H. Perkins. Ezra F. Busey was 
the first pastor. The present trustees are Alexan- 
der Ashley, E. S. Wescott, A. S. Taylor, B. F. 
Moffett, W. C. Hunter, W. S. Stuard, E. G. 
Johnson, Frederick C. Singer, and A. W Fairfax. 
The statistics for 1892 are as follows : Probationers, 
13; full members, 205; value of church, $25,000; 
value of parsonage, $5,000; Sunday-school scholars, 
222 ; officers and teachers, 34. The present pastor 
is Rev, Joel Brown, 

Gorsuch Church was organized in 1850. In 
1856 it became a separate charge, having until 
that time been connected with Ryland. J. H. 
Ryland was the first pastor. The first trustees 
were H. D. Prather, E. Bird, F. Ballinger. Joseph 
Humphries, George W. Gannett, and. Major Brock. 
The present board consists of William R. Hunt, 
George Z, Colison, Samuel H. Ramby, W. J. Lenon. 
The statistics for the year J892 are as follows: 
Probationers, 17; full members, 74; value of church, 
$4,000; value of parsonage, $1,000; Sunday-school 



1 7° Methodism in Wasliington, D. C. 

scholars, 245 ; officers and teachers, 20. The present 
pastor is Rev. J. H. M. Lemon. 

Fletcher Church is an outgrowth of McKendree 
and was organized in 1853. Luther Snyder, A. J. 
Boss, C. C. Collison, Samuel Shreves, and William 
H. Moore were the first trustees. Of these all are 
deceased except C. C. Collison, who, with Middletqn 
Birckhead, John C. Yost, and William P. Dawson, 
constitutes the present board. H. C. McDaniel was 
the first pastor. In March, 1892, there were reported : 
Probationers, 9 ; full members, 91 ; value of church, 
56. 000; Sunday-school scholars, 81; officers and 
teachers, 13. Rev. W. H, Laney is pastor at present. 
This is his third pastorate at this place. 

Waugh Church was begun by the organization 
of a Sunday-school, on March 16, 1853, in a small 
one-story house of two rooms, fronting on Massa- 
chusetts Avenue, between Third and Fourth Streets 
N. E. On July 26. 1853, the first class was organ- 
ized by Rev. J. H. Brown, pastor of Wesley 
Chapel,, of which this mission, then called Capitol 
Hill, was an offshoot. In March, 1855, the Capitol 
Hill church was separated from Wesley Chapel and, 
with Ebenezer colored church, became a separate 
charge. G. H. Day was appointed pastor. The 
church was dedicated February 17, 1858, the con- 
gregation having worshiped in the basement several 
years. It has since been enlarged. The present 
trustees are S. H. Walker, J. H. Hitchcock. B. T. 
Welch, George A. Green, George Y. Thorpe, E. 
H. Ripley, Joseph Harper, B. F. Leighton, A. D. 



The Methodist Churches in Washington. 171 



Wilcox. The statistics for 1892 are: Probationers, 
21; full members, 495; value of church, $25,000; 
value of parsonage, $6,000 ; Sunday-school scholars, 
549; officers and teachers, 47. Rev. A. E. Gibson, 
M.D., D. D., is now the pastor. 

Metropolitan Church. The first steps in the 
establishment of this charge were taken in 1853, 
when a lot was purchased and the foundation of 
the church laid. Nothing further was done for 
years, and many supposed the project had en- 
tirely failed. With the close of the Civil War 
another effort was made to erect the church, and 
under the labors of Dr. F. S. De Hass the present 
building was completed, except the tower, which 
was added during the pastorate of Dr. Newman, 
through the efforts of Mrs. Newman and the 
liberality of Thomas Kelso, of Baltimore. President 
Grant was for a time a trustee of the church and 
attended there during his administrations. General 
John A. Logan was also connected with this charge. 
Tablets to their memory have been placed in the 
church. The statistics for 1892 are as follows: 
Probationers, 31; Full members, 599; value of 
church, $200,000; scholars in Sunday-school, 576; 
officers and teachers, 54. Rev. George H. Corey, 
D. D., is pastor. 

Calvary Church was built in 1855. W. F. Speake 
was the first pastor. A Sunday-school was organ- 
ized in 1854. The charge was formerly known as 
West Georgetown. Though a separate charge the 
property belongs to the Dunbarton-Avenue Church. 



172 



Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



The statistics for the year 1892 are: Probationers, 
2 ; full members, 38 ; value of church, $8,000 ; 
Sunday-school scholars, 60 ; officers and teachers, 
12. Rev, E. D. Owen, D. D.,is now the pastor. 

Hamline Church originated from McKendree. 
It was organized on Sunday, July 2, 1865. The 
first pastor was John R, Effinger. The first board 
of trustees consisted of Henry Turner, William P. 
McKelden, William Rutherford, Walter R. Baker, 
Washington I. Pond. The present board consists of 
J. A. Connor, J. W. Davis, William Mayse, G. K. 
Andrews, T. B. Towner, Thomas Little, J. B. 
Scott, J. E. Little, H. B. Moulton. Statistics for 
1892 are as follows : Probationers, 67 ; full members, 
770; value of church, $75,000; Sunday-school 
scholars, 793 ; officers and teachers, 69. Rev. Elbert 
S. Todd, D. D., is now the pastor. 

Grace Church is a branch of Wesley Chapel. 
The first pastor was George W. Shuck, who had 
charge in 1866. The board of trustees is composed 
of the following persons : Hiram Micheals, Edward 
J. Spies, Edward F. Davis, Edgar P. Richardson, 
James H. Gallier, John Yeiheyer, James E. Evans, 
A. H. Smoot, Benjamin F. Williams. The statistics 
for 1892 are: Probationers, 5; full members, 157; 
value of church, $22,000 ; value of parsonage, $5,000 ; 
Sunday-school scholars, 242 ; officers and teachers, 
30. Rev. Samuel Shannon is pastor at present. 

Fifteenth-Street Church was organized April 3, 
1874. It was a branch of Foundry. The congre- 



The Methodist Churches in Washington. 173 



gation worshiped in a frame chapel, purchased from 
the Hamline trustees, and moved to the present 
site. It was formerly called Mount Zion. Louis C. 
Muller was the first pastor. The board of trustees 
consists of William McK. Clayton, Charles E. 
Goodens, F. T. Bickford, L. A. Barr, Lee W. 
Funk, Henry Wahly, Bushrod Robinson, A. B. 
Brown. The statistics for 1892 are: Probationers, 
45; full members, 174; value of church, $2,000 ; 
Sunday-school scholars, 224 ; officers and teachers, 
34; Rev. L. A. Thirlkeld is pastor. 

North Capitol Church, formerly Providence, 
was organized in 1876. The old property was 
exchanged for the present site. D. M. Browning 
was then pastor. A handsome church was dedicated 
October 9, 1892. The board of trustees consists of 
Theodore Hodes, Jesse Owings, John G. Slick, U. 
S. Loudermilk, W. H. Fisher, Charles B. Sayer, 
A. M. Laing, Charles H. Roeder, N. Bunch. The 
statistics for 1892 are: Probationers, 20; full mem- 
bers, 129; value of church, $18,000; value of 
parsonage, $5,000; Sunday-school scholars, 310; 
officers and teachers, 29. Rev. C. O. Cook is the 
present pastor. 

Douglass Memorial Church was built in 1878, 
by Mr. Douglass, in memory of his daughter, who 
was the wife of George G. Markham, the first 
pastor. Services had been previously held in 
the neighborhood, principally by local preachers. 
During the pastorate of C. T. House the building was 
formally given to the Methodist Episcopal Church/ 



174 Methodism i?i Washington, D. C. 



It is now a flourishing appointment. The statistics 
for 1892 are as follows: Probationers, 37; full 
members, 229; value of church, $12,000; value of 
parsonage, $5,000 ; Sunday-school scholars, 461 ; 
officers and teachers, 33. Rev. E. Olin Eldridge 
is the present pastor. 



Washington Conference. 

Asbury Church. The statistics for 1892 are as 
follow: Probationers, 88; full members, 6i\ ; value 
of church, $78,000 ; value of parsonage, $8,000 ; 
Sunday-school scholars, 303 ; officers and teachers, 
26. The pastor is Rev. J. W. E. Bowen, Ph. D. 

Central Church. The statistics for 1892 are as 
follows: Probationers, 18; full members, 136 ; value 
of church, $9,000; Sunday-school scholars, 235; 
officers and teachers, 12. Rev. S. A, Lewis is pastor 
at present. 

Ebenezer Church. The statistics for 1892 are 
as follows : Probationers, 40 ; full members, 800 ; 
value of church, $30,000 ; value of parsonage, $6,000 ; 
Sunday-school scholars, 270; officers and teachers, 
29. Rev. Alexander Dennis is the pastor, 

Mount Zion Church. The statistics for 1892 
are as follows: Probationers, 27; full members, 
6jo; value of church, $30,000; Sunday-school 
scholars, 320 ; officers and teachers, 20. Rev. H. 
'A. Carroll is the pastor. 



The Methodist Churches in Washington. 175 

Simpson Chapel is under the supervision of 
Asbury. The statistics for 1892 are as follows: 
Probationers, 3 ; full members, 63 ; value of church, 
$3,000; Sunday-school scholars, 50; officers and 
teachers, 16. 

North-East Mission is connected with Bennings 
charge, of which Rev. Alfred Young is pastor. 



Methodist Episcopal Church South. 

Mount Yernon Place Church. After the organ- 
ization of the Methodist Episcopal Church South 
the members of that denomination in Washing- 
ton purchased, from the Presbyterians, the brick ' 
church on Eighth Street N. W., now used as a 
synagogue. Leonidas Rosser, D. D., was the first 
pastor. In the early part of the Civil War the 
church was seized for a hospital, and the congre- 
gation removed first to P Street N. W., and then 
to M Street N. W., where services were held until 
1869, when Mount Yernon Place Church was built 
under the ministry of William Y. Tudor. After the 
organization of the Baltimore Conference of the 
Southern Methodist Church the pastors were ap- 
pointed from that body. The membership is now 
nearly 900, and there are more than 400 Sunday- 
school scholars. The board of trustees consists of 
J. W. Barker, J. B. Wilson, J. O. Williams, A. L. 
Johnson, J. L. Johnson, J. E. Baird, H. H. Barker, 
F. Hyatt, J. M. Follen. Rev. J. T. Wightman, 
D. D., is now the pastor. 



176 Methodism" in Waslmigton, D. C. 



Grace Church is a branch of Mount Yernon 
Grace Church, and was organized in 1886. It has 
more than too members. Rev. John C. Jones is 
the pastor. 

Mount Olivet Church is also a branch of Mount 
Yernon Place Church. It has more than 100 mem- 
bers. This charge is now erecting a handsome 
brick church. Rev. John K. White is the pastor. 



Methodist Protestant Church. 

Congress-Street Church was organized, Decem- 
ber 2, 1828, from members of the Montgomery- 
Street Methodist Episcopal Church who sympathized 
with the Mutual-Rights movement. W. \V. Wallace 
was the first pastor. The board of trustees con- 
sists of J. E. Cox, J. D. Cathell, J. E. Ubbey, W. 
E. Bell, George A. Birch. Rev. W. R. Graham is 
now the pastor. 

First Church. For particulars see chapter on 
" Ebenezer." 

Central Church was organizied, in 1832, from 
seceding members of the Foundry Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. The congregation worshiped first in 
''The Tabernacle," Twelfth and H Streets N. W. 
In ' 1834 Ninth-Street Church was built, and in 1888 
the present church, on the corner of Twelfth and 
M Streets N. W., was occupied. The first pastor 
was William Kelsey. The board of trustees con- 



The Methodist Churches in Washington. 177 

sists of S. T. G. Morsell, E. J. Hill, Robert Kemp, 
George Topham, George T. Dearing, E. James. 
The present pastor is Rev. S. Reese Murray, A. M. 

North-Carolina-Avenue Church is a branch of 
the First Methodist Protestant Church, and was 
organized in 1872. The first pastor was Oliver 
Cox. The first trustees were R. B. Ferguson, 
John S. Seaton, T. B. Marche, W. B. Marche, J. H. 
Searles. The present board consists of James H. 
Searles, W. B. Marche, R. I. Middleton, George 
Keithley, and Charles E. Wheeler. Rev. David L. 
Wilson is now the pastor. 

Mount Tabor Church was organized in 1874. 
Rev. H. C. Cushing is the pastor. 



Independent Methodist Church. 

Eleventh-Street Church was organized in 1887. 
The building in which the congregation worships 
was formerly occupied by the Free Methodists and 
the Salvation Army. It has since been enlarged 
and repaired. Rev. Jacob D. Wilson organized the 
church and is still the pastor. 



African Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Metropolitan Church. The statistics for 1892 
are as follows: Probationers, 135; full members, 
740; value of church, $100,000; scholars in the 



178 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



Sunday-school, 500 ; officers and teachers, 33. The 
pastor is Rev. J. W. Beckett. 

St. Paul's Church. The statistics for 1892 are 
as follows: Probationers, 64; full members, 174: 
value of church, 530,000 ; Sunday-school scholars, 
220 ; officers and teachers, 14. The pastor is Rev. 
L. H. Jackson. 

Ebenezer Church. The statistics for 1892 are 
as follows : Probationer, 1 ; full members, 90 ; value 
of church, 311,000; Sunday-school scholars, 190; 
officers and teachers, 16. Rev. D. G. Hill is now 
the pastor. 

Garfield Church. The statistics for 1892 are 
as follows: Probationers, 15; full members, 120; 
value of church, 33,000; value of parsonage, $250; 
Sunday-school scholars, 105 ; officers and teachers, 
8. Rev. Samuel M. Johnson is pastor. 

Campbell Chapel. The statistics for 1892 are 
as follows: Probationers, 8; full members, 103; 
value of church, $4,500; scholars in Sunday-school, 
164; officers and teachers, 13. The pastor is Rev. 
Horace Talbert. 

Mount Pisgah. No statistics are given. Rev. 
J. McEady is pastor. 



The Metliodist Churches in Washington. 179 

African Zion Methodist Episcopal Church. 

East Washington Station was organized in 186S. 
Rev. J. S. Smothers is the pastor. 

Galbraith Church. Rev. Isaac R. Johnson is 
the pastor. 

John Wesley Church was organized in 1830. 
Rev. Jesse S. Cowles pastor. 

North Washington Church. Rev. Turner Jen- 
kins is the pastor. 

Union Wesley Church. Rev. Robert J. Daniels 
is the pastor. 

Wesley Zion Church was organized in 1840. 
Rev. R. H. G. Dyson is the pastor. 

Zion Church was organized in 1883. Rev. 
Peter C. Louis is the pastor. 



Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Israel Metropolitan Church was organized in 
1820, from dissenting members from Fourth-Street 
Methodist Episcopal Church. The first place of 
worship was at a private house, then at Wheat's 
School-house, on Virginia Avenue S. E. ; the next 
place was Simm's Rope- walk, Third Street and 
Pennsylvania Avenue S. E. ; after a while the 
4 ' Little White Chapel - under- the - Hill " was pur- 



180 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



chased. The present church was completed in 1885. 
The services had been held in the basement since 
December 5, 1874. David Smith was the first pas- 
tor. Israel Church was at first connected with the 
African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1874 it 
withdrew from that denomination and united with 
the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. The 
board of trustees consists of Benton Berry, John 
Boston, N. N. Snowden, Henry Thomas, L. Jeffries, 
Charles Browne, C. H. T. Over, H. M. Armstead, 
J. F. N. Wilkinson, Rev. S. B. Wallace, D. D., is 
now the pastor. 

Miles Tabernacle is a branch of Israel Church, 
and was organized in 1882. Rev. James W. Luckett 
is the pastor. 



• 



APPENDIX B. 



AUTHORITIES CONSULTED. 



Journal of Francis Asbury. 

Life and Times of Jesse Lee, by Leroy M. Lee. 
History of Methodist Episcopal Church, by 
Abel Stevens. 

Encyclopedia Britannica. 
Memoir of Whatcoat. 

Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit. 

Journal of Freeborn Garrettson. 

History of Methodism in America, by Jesse 

Lee. 

Cyclopsedia of Methodism, by Bishop Simpson. 

Memorials of the Introduction of Methodism 
into the Eastern States, by Stevens. 

Crowned Victors, by J. \Y. Hedges. 

Minutes of the Maryland Annual Conference 
of the Methodist Protestant Church. 

Minutes of the Baltimore Annual Conference 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Minutes of the Washington Annual Conference 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



1 82 Methodism in Washington, D. C. 



Minutes of the Baltimore Annual Conference 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. 

Minutes of the Baltimore Annual Conference 
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. 

General Minutes of the Methodist Episcopal 
Conferences. 

Publications of the American Methodist His- 
torical Society. 

National Intelligencer. 

McClintock and Strong's Cyclopaedia. 

Methodism in Georgetown, Kirkley. 

Life of Watters. Alexandria, 1806. 

Wakeley's Heroes and Lost Chapters. 

The Official Records of Fourth-Street Method- 
ist Episcopal Church. 

Barnes's History of the United States. 

Methodism in America, by Lednum. 

Sketch of Rev. Philip Gatch, by Judge McLean. 

Light on Early Methodism, by Phoebus. 

Centennial of American Methodism, by Atkin- 
son. 

Influences of Christianity, by R. W. Church. 

History of Waugh Methodist Episcopal Church, 
by H. D. Clarke. 

Historical Sketch of Israel Metropolitan Col- 
ored Methodist Episcopal Church, by S. L. Nichols. 



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